1. FERS Meeting 3 rd April 2009 Brussels

2. ERS Brussels Office Who are we? Peter Helms – EU Secretary Nadia Kamel – Scientific Officer Brian Ward – Policy Adviser

3. Location Address: 49-51 Rue de Tréves BE - 1040 Brussels Tel: +32 2 238 53 60 Fax: +32 2 238 53 61 ersinfo.brussels@ersnet.orgersinfo.brussels@ersnet.org On the Web: http://dev.ersnet.org/142-brussels- office.htm

4. Main Activities Influencing EU Decision Making by providing scientific evidence and suggesting solutions to problems + challenges. Providing input to stakeholder consultations, organising workshops, communicating political positions, creating alliances e.g. with Smokefree partnership Awareness raising on lung health priorities Campaigning for greater research funding at the European level e.g. FP7 Identifying synergies and areas of common concern with interested parties such as FERS.

5. EU Legislative Action: “Your eyes and ears in Europe” Alert national societies to EU legislative and non- legislative proposals relevant to lung health Bring issues raised at national level to the attention of relevant EU institutions How could Brussels Office support National societies?  

6. Logistical Support: Venue for small meetings in a central location in proximity to European Council, Commission and Parliament Provide assistance to arrange meeting with EU officials

7. How could national societies contribute to advocacy at EU level? Liaise directly with ERS Brussels office Provide data, evidence that can be used to formulate positions and policy statements Contact local MEPs on respiratory issues Identify national experts in respiratory health + science who could contribute to advocacy at the EU Level e.g. during Year of the Lung 2010 Year of the Lung