European Federation of Neurological Associations

European Federation of Neurological Associations
Name	European Federation of Neurological Associations
Abbreviation	EFNA
Formation	2000
Type	Non-governmental organization
Headquarters	Brussels
Region served	Europe
Membership	Patient groups, advocacy organisations

European Federation of Neurological Associations is an umbrella organisation representing a network of patient organisations involved in neurological conditions across Europe. It collaborates with bodies such as European Commission, World Health Organization, European Medicines Agency, Council of Europe and European Parliament to advance patient advocacy, research translation and policy development. EFNA engages with stakeholders including European Academy of Neurology, European Brain Council, European Multiple Sclerosis Platform, Stroke Alliance for Europe and national charities to influence health policy and research funding.

History

EFNA traces its origins to early 21st-century efforts to coordinate patient voice across multiple neurological disease communities, contemporaneous with initiatives by European Commission directorates and advocacy led by organisations such as Alzheimer Europe, Parkinson's Europe and Migraine Europe. Its formation intersected with major policy events including the adoption of frameworks influenced by the European Medicines Agency and collaborations with the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. EFNA developed in parallel with the emergence of networks such as the European Brain Council and responded to landmark moments including the expansion of the European Union in 2004 and subsequent public health strategic shifts driven by the European Parliament.

Mission and Objectives

EFNA's mission emphasizes representation of neurological patient communities across the continent, aligning with goals articulated by the World Health Organization and echoed in declarations from the Council of Europe and resolutions of the European Parliament. Core objectives include advocacy for access to therapies approved by the European Medicines Agency, promotion of research priorities consistent with agendas from the European Research Council and collaboration with professional organisations such as the European Academy of Neurology and disease-specific platforms like European Multiple Sclerosis Platform. EFNA seeks to influence policy processes shaped by institutions including the European Commission and national ministries of health, and to foster partnerships with research funders such as the Wellcome Trust and Horizon Europe consortia.

Membership and Structure

Membership comprises patient-led organisations and advocacy groups from across countries formerly in the European Economic Area and wider Council of Europe membership, with national affiliates similar to Alzheimer Society branches and disease-specific entities like Parkinson's UK or equivalents. The structure features an executive board, advisory panels and working groups interfacing with partners such as the European Academy of Neurology, European Brain Council, European Federation of Neurological Societies-related bodies, and professional societies including the Royal Society-level organisations and national academies. EFNA convenes representatives from organisations with histories tied to campaigns led by figures associated with institutions like NHS England advocates, while maintaining links to research networks funded by mechanisms including Horizon 2020 and national research councils.

Activities and Programs

EFNA conducts advocacy campaigns, awareness initiatives and capacity-building programs in partnership with stakeholders such as the European Commission, World Health Organization, European Medicines Agency and disease platforms including Stroke Alliance for Europe and European Multiple Sclerosis Platform. Programs address patient involvement in clinical trials overseen by entities like the European Clinical Trials Regulation apparatus and engagement with research consortia funded through Horizon Europe and foundations such as the Wellcome Trust and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. EFNA runs training for patient advocates modeled on best practices from collaborations with organisations including the European Patients' Forum, collaborates with scientific bodies like the European Academy of Neurology and supports policy dialogues convened by the European Parliament and Council of Europe.

Conferences and Publications

EFNA organises and participates in conferences, workshops and symposia alongside partners such as the European Academy of Neurology, European Brain Council, European Multiple Sclerosis Platform and national conferences hosted by organisations like Parkinson's UK and Alzheimer Europe. It contributes to position papers, consensus statements and guidance documents referenced by the European Commission, European Medicines Agency and professional associations including the British Neurological Association and national neurological societies. Publications and briefing papers are disseminated to stakeholders such as members of the European Parliament, research funders including the European Research Council and health policy units within the Council of Europe.

Governance and Funding

Governance is provided by an elected board and advisory committees with representation drawn from member organisations and liaisons to bodies like the European Academy of Neurology, European Brain Council and the European Patients' Forum. EFNA's funding model combines grants from institutions such as the European Commission and project funding from Horizon Europe instruments, sponsorship from industry partners registered with the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations and donations from philanthropic foundations including the Wellcome Trust. Financial oversight aligns with reporting expectations from the European Commission and national regulatory frameworks in Belgium and member states, and governance practices reflect standards promoted by international organisations like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Category:European medical and health organisations