EPHA joins the NGO Liaison Group of the Economic and Social Committee

What is the NGO Liaison Group of the European Economic and Social Committee?

In 2004, the EESC established a Liaison Group to interact with European civil society organisations and networks. The group was designed to be both a liaison body and a structure for political dialogue.

The Liaison Group ensures that the EESC has a coordinated approach towards these organisations and networks, as well as monitoring joint initiatives.

Out of 19 members, EPHA is the only public health representative in the Liaison Group.

Meeting on 17 June 2009

The meeting of the Liaison Group on 17 June was the first under the mandate of EESC President Mario Sepi.

The Secretariat was given the opportunity to present EPHA to the representatives of the EESC and to the members of the Liaison Group. EPHA was then officially accepted as a member of the Liaison Group. Strict membership criteria must be respected, such as having a permanent structure and having members in more than half of the EU Member States.

This new status recognises the key role of the public health community in the dialogue between EU institutions and the civil society. As a member of the Liaison Group, EPHA will increase its visibility and its network and will take every opportunity to raise EPHA’s member’s concerns and recommendations to the members of the EESC.

Afterwards, a session on the Commission’s register of interest representatives took place. Olivier Hoedeman from Corporate Europe Observatory and Gérard Legris from DG Secretariat General expressed their different views on the issue. Mr Hoedeman pointed out the weaknesses of the current voluntary register.

At the next session, EPHA learnt that the EESC is currently drafting an own-initiative opinion on Article 11 of the Lisbon Treaty which will be published in March/April 2010. EPHA will continue to monitor developments related to this dossier.