Epilepsy, a group of rare and complex diseases that affects the EU

22.12.2017

Question for written answer E-007944-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Claudiu Ciprian Tănăsescu (S&D)

Epilepsy is more than seizures; it is a disorder of the brain that can lead to abnormal discharges in the brain’s electrical circuits. The biggest problem facing people affected by this illness (which may appear at any age) is stigmatisation, which has an impact on education and employment. Statistics show that 6 million people in Europe have epilepsy, and in 50% of cases the disease is not well managed. The annual cost of this disease in the EU amounts to around EUR 20 billion. In 2016, the WHO raised the alarm and placed epilepsy on the list of priorities.

Given that traditional antiepileptic therapies are effective in between 60% and 70% of people with the disease, will the Commission provide additional funding in the EU Member States to combat epilepsy, guarantee access to the latest medication and revolutionary therapies, and improve the lives of people affected by epilepsy?

What practical action will the Commission take in order to achieve the objectives of the EU’s third public health programme, bearing in mind that a global alliance could have a greater impact on the framework for future research in the field of epilepsy than the European Reference Network on rare and complex epilepsies?