Author Archives: EMEC team

A constructive meeting

Thanks to Belgian member of parliament Pascal Arimont, EMEC was able to have a constructive meeting with representatives of the European Commission. The Commission has taken on board our concerns as strongly expressed by the European Parliament. We will continue to work to make sure that the commitments made in the ME/CFS resolution are turnedContinue reading “A constructive meeting”

Evelien responds to the EU Commission

On 18 August, Commissioner Mariya Gabriel responded to questions raised by Member of Parliament Jordi Cañas regarding the recent ME/CFS resolution. Unfortunately, the answer, provided on behalf of the European Commission, does not acknowledge the underfunding of ME/CFS research in Europe nor does it propose new initiatives to address this urgent problem. Evelien Van DenContinue reading “Evelien responds to the EU Commission”

Fact sheets

The European ME Coalition (EMEC) presents three new fact sheets about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The documents briefly summarize key facts about the economic and societal impact of ME/CFS in Europe and the recent efforts made by ME/CFS advocates including the petition submitted by Evelien Van Den Brink. The fact sheets will help toContinue reading “Fact sheets”

Parliamentary questions

This page provides an overview of parliamentary questions on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) at the European level. The list of questions was last updated on 15 July 2020. 09/11/2017 – Question by Alex Mayer, S&D https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2017-006901_EN.html17/12/2017 – Answer to Alex Mayer by Mr Moedas on behalf of the Commission https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2017-006901-ASW_EN.html 28/08/2018 – Question by Rory Palmer,Continue reading “Parliamentary questions”

European Parliament adopts ME resolution

On 17 June 2020, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on additional funding for biomedical research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). 676 members of parliament voted in favour, 4 against with 8 abstentions. This is the first-ever resolution on ME adopted by the European Parliament and it could mean a historic breakthrough for scientific research intoContinue reading “European Parliament adopts ME resolution”

Press release – Scientists call for more European research on ME/CFS

Brussels, 10 June 2020  More than one hundred scientists have signed an open letter calling for more European research into the illness Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). On 17 June, the European Parliament plans to vote on a resolution on ME/CFS research following a popular petition signed by thousands of patients and their loved ones.Continue reading “Press release – Scientists call for more European research on ME/CFS”

Research into the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic

In an open letter published on ME Awareness Day 2020, Evelien Van Den Brink asks the European parliament to make sufficient funds available for scientific research into the long-term consequences of COVID-19. COVID-19 has an enormous impact on European countries. The great number of people who have become infected, the severity of the infection, andContinue reading “Research into the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic”

EU Committee adopts motion for resolution on ME

On Thursday, April 30th 2020 the Committee on Petitions of the European Parliament (PETI) adopted the Motion for a Resolution on additional funding for biomedical research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). All 30 votes were in favour of the resolution, there were no abstentions. A press release about the vote was published on the website of the European Parliament.Continue reading “EU Committee adopts motion for resolution on ME”