European debate on epilepsy

22.2.2013

Question for written answer E-001967-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Nora Berra (PPE)

11 February 2013 was European Epilepsy Day. A number of awareness-raising events were held on that day to draw attention to the fact that epilepsy is a major public-health issue that still affects 6 million people in Europe and that 350 000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

In 2012 the Commission pledged to launch a debate with the Member States on the best ways of addressing the challenges presented by chronic diseases, including epilepsy. It indicated that it would take account of the written declaration on epilepsy adopted by Parliament on 15 September 2011, in which it is called on to encourage research and innovation in the area of prevention and early diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.

Can the Commission say whether that debate has been launched? If so, when will it inform Parliament of its conclusions?

OJ C 372 E, 19/12/2013