European strategy for epilepsy

30.3.2012

Question for written answer E-003484/2012
to the Commission
Rule 117
Nathalie Griesbeck (ALDE)

Six million people in Europe suffer from epilepsy. It is estimated that 70 % of those with epilepsy could be free of attacks if they were to be given the right treatment.

In March and June 2011, in response to a number of written questions, the Commission pointed out that the European Union did not currently have a specific common strategy for epilepsy and that there were no plans to propose such a strategy.

On 15 September 2011, the European Parliament adopted a written declaration on epilepsy in which it calls on the Commission to encourage research and innovation in the area of the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, to prioritise epilepsy as a major disease, to take initiatives to encourage Member States to ensure equal quality of life, including in education, employment, transport and public healthcare, for people with epilepsy and to encourage effective assessments of the impact on health of all major EU and national policies.

Can the Commission outline what measures have been taken since the written declaration was adopted?

Can the Commission outline what measures it intends to propose in the near future in response to the vote by MEPs?

Has the Commission proposed, or does it intend to propose, a specific strategy for epilepsy to ensure better treatment for the nine million EU citizens with epilepsy?

Is it not time that the Commission and the EU Member States adopted a common and coherent strategy for the treatment of this disease?

OJ C 130 E, 07/05/2013