PURPOSE

The critical role played by ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges faced by Intensive Care professionals has led to the establishment of the European Parliament Intensive Care Interest Group.

The group represents a dedicated, separate and specialised space to discuss healthcare policy in the EU and Intensive Care Medicine, which has not previously existed in any form within the European Parliament.

The goal is to facilitate dialogue between Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the Intensive Care Medicine community on all matters directly connected to the functioning of Europe’s ICUs and the field of Intensive Care Medicine. This exchange will be especially beneficial in the context of future crises for which the EU is taking steps to improve preparedness.

MAIN TOPICS

Meetings of the group will provide the opportunity for MEP participants to speak and for relevant guests to participate and offer expert insights. The topics of discussion within the Interest Group will include:

• Intensive Care Medicine in light of EU health policy
• Conditions faced by the EU’s ICU healthcare workforce
• The quality and availability and training in Intensive Care Medicine in Europe
• Recognition of Intensive Care Medicine qualifications in Europe
• The improvement of Intensive Care Medicine in less developed countries
• The preparedness of Europe’s ICUs in emergency contexts

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

• Accomplish a real pan-European understanding of ICUs in Europe
• Advocate for the mutual recognition of the profession of intensivist everywhere in Europe
• Create a platform where politicians and experts discuss this important topic and further develop the European Health Union by including the ICM