Rheumatic diseases in the EU legislature
One of the aims of EULAR is to raise awareness of the European decision-makers of the burden of
rheumatic diseases, and to attract greater attention to the need for better positioning of
rheumatic diseases at the European level. Thanks to our efforts over the last few months, the
profile of rheumatic diseases in the main EU health programmes and initiatives has significantly
improved.
Rheumatic diseases in the EU research policy
The EU Framework Programmes (FP) are the main financial tool to support research at the European level. FP7, which applies to the years 2007-2013, is the natural successor to FP6 and is the result of years of consultation with the scientific community, research and policy making institutions and other interested parties. Thanks to the intensive awareness-raising and lobbying activities of EULAR at the European level, rheumatic diseases have received an explicit mentioning in the Programme section on major diseases.
Rheumatic diseases in the EU public health policy
The EU Public Health Programme is the main instrument of the Community to support cross-European health activities financially. It sets specific objectives, at least one of which the proposed projects need to address.
Rheumatic diseases and European disability legislation
Disability policies are essentially a responsibility of the EU member states. However, Community policies and actions impact in many ways on the situation of disabled people. In addition, Article 13 of the Treaty of Amsterdam provides the legal basis for EU measures to combat discrimination based on disability.
RELATED INFORMATION
Written Declaration on Rheumatic Diseases 2008
Following up on the written declaration 2005 on rheumatic diseases, three MEP have now submitted a new written declaration 08/2008 to the European Parliament asking the Commission and the Council to take further action.
Written Declaration on Rheumatic Diseases 2005
Summary
Full declaration
EULAR press release