1. 1 OIE Global Conference on Veterinary Education and the role of Veterinary Statutory Body 4 – 6 December 2013 Foz do Iguazu (Brazil)

2. 2 Veterinary Statutory Bodies in Europe Jan Vaarten Executive Director FVE

3. 3 Federation of Veterinarians of Europe 46 National Veterinary Professional Organisations 38 European countries Representing 220.000 European vets “One Profession - One Vision - One Voice” 4 FVE Sections  UEVP ( Practitioners )  UEVH ( Hygienists – Public Health Officers )  EASVO ( Veterinary State Officers )  EVERI ( Education, Research, Industry )

4. FVE’s mission The European veterinary profession, embodied by FVE, strives to promote animal health, animal welfare and public health across Europe. Together with its members, FVE aims to support veterinarians in delivering their professional responsibilities at the best possible level, recognized and valued by society.

5. 5 Europe  Many countries (47)  Great diversity in historical, political and socio-economic background  28 countries are Members of the European Union  No EU rules: regulation vet. prof. is a Member State competence

6. 6 Definition VSB “Autonomous regulatory body for veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals”

7. 7 The veterinary statutory body should be able to demonstrate that it has the capacity, supported by appropriate legislation, to exercise and enforce control over all veterinarians and veterinary para- professionals These controls should include, where appropriate, compulsory licensing and registration, minimum standards of education (initial and continuing) for the recognition of degrees, diplomas and certificates, setting standards of professional conduct and exercising control and the application of disciplinary procedures. The veterinary statutory body should be able to demonstrate autonomy from undue political and commercial interests.

8. 8 Separate body or not VSB as separate body VSB as part of public administration  Risks of miscommunication  Risk for conflict of interest (especially in case concerning vets working for public administration)

9. 9 Jurisdiction One national   multiple provincial or regional juridictions Communication / coordination at national level

10. 10 Veterinarians only ? Veterinarians only Veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals  Every individual with a professional responsibility for veterinary tasks should fall under the VSB

11. 11 Standards for licensing Knowledge and skills  No Europe wide training requirements  EU standards required for automatic recognition of qualifications are often considered as such  In some countries direct relation VSB – Veterinary Schools Values, ethics, and professional behaviour  Limited to broad scope

12. 12 Roles VSBs play Strictly regulating the profession Post graduate education Including other member services

13. 13 Levels of advancement A) VSB AUTHORITY The VSB is an autonomous authority responsible for the regulation of the veterinarians and veterinary para- professionals. 1. There is no legislation establishing a VSB. 2. The VSB regulates veterinarians only within certain sectors of the veterinary profession and/or do not systematically apply disciplinary measures. 3. The VSB regulates veterinarians in all relevant sectors of the veterinary profession and apply disciplinary measures. 4. The VSB regulates functions and competencies of veterinarians in all relevant sectors and veterinary para- professionals according to needs. 5. The VSB regulates and apply disciplinary measures to veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals in all sectors throughout the country.

14. 14 Levels of advancement B) VSB CAPACITY The capacity of the VSB to implement its functions and objectives in conformity with OIE standards 1. The VSB has no capacity to implement its functions and objectives. 2. The VSB has the functional capacity to implement its main objectives. 3. The VSB is an independent representative organisation with the functional capacity to implement all its objectives. 4. The VSB has a transparent process of decision making and conforms to OIE standards. 5. The financial and institutional management of the VSB is submitted to external auditing

15. www.fve.org 15 FVE Working group VSB matters Charter Liberal Professions Definition of a Veterinarian Definition Veterinary Act European Veterinary Code of Conduct

16. 16 Conclusion In most European countries the VSB functions satisfactorily - well. However there is room for improvement in the interest of the health and welfare of animals and the health and of people.

17. 17 Further information: FVE Avenue de Tervueren 12 1040 Bruxelles Belgium +32 2 5337020 info@fve.org www.fve.org www.fve.org

18. 18 Thank you for your attention