The IBE European Regional Executive Committee (EREC) met in Dublin on the 25th September 2009 with discussion focused in particular on the 12th European Conference on Epilepsy & Society, which will take place in Porto from 25th to 27th August 2010. Much of the conference programme is now ready but some details still need to be finalised. We hope that the programme will be both attractive and interesting. The theme for the conference is “Epilepsy: So what?”.

The conference programme will cover a wide range of topics including ethics, genetics, AEDs and lifestyle issues, as well as some topics of a more scientific nature. Photosensitivity and new advances in epilepsy treatments will also feature in the programme. In addition, we are introducing an exciting new structure that will provide delegates with greater opportunity to interact and to discuss their own viewpoints. A series of Discussion Groups will address issues such as epilepsy and disability, driving and insurance problems, epilepsy emergency cards and warning devices, best practice in twinning of IBE members, training and personal development opportunities, and advocacy work. The Youth session was very successful during our last conference and, as a result, we plan to repeat this session in Porto!

Regarding the registration fees for 12th European Conference on Epilepsy & Society, the committee has agreed that the fees should remain unchanged from Marseille:

Early Registration: €200
Late Registration: €250
Onsite Registration: €260

The Announcement and website will be ready in a near future. So keep a close eye on the IBE website for news!

The European Committee is also working to increase IBE membership in Europe. The committee plans to become more active in countries where IBE currently does not have a member. We will work with national epilepsy associations to assist them in developing their organisations and in applying for IBE membership.

The committee has also agreed to support the Alliance for MRI. One of the main focuses of the Alliance at the moment is for derogation from the EU directive on electromagnetic fields (power lines and mobile phones) for MRI. The directive is due to come into force in 2012, having been delayed because of the MRI issue. The secretary of the European Committee, Ms Aisling Farrell, will attend a meeting of the group in Brussels in early October as a representative of the European Regional Executive Committee and we will report back to you on any developments.

Last but not least, in order to increase interaction between the European Regional Executive Committee and IBE Members in Europe, the committee plans to circulate a new regional newsletter – EREC Epilepsy News – which will include breaking news stories on epilepsy as well as news from members in the European region.

We would like to thank you in advance for your suggestions for the Porto congress programme and looks forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards,
Athanasios Covanis

European Regional Executive Committee
Chair: Athanasios Covanis
Vice Chair: Michael Alexa
Secretary: Aisling Farrell
Members: Victoria Dimech and Seppo Sarkkula
Ex-Officio Vice-President Europe: Janet Mifsud