Following the success of the first EFA COPD expert workshop in the European Parliament in Brussels on June 29 – attended by COPD patients and their representatives, medical experts, MEPs from the main European political parties and representatives from the European Commission – EFA is pleased to announce the publication of the 1st EFA COPD Project newsletter summarizing the outcomes of the workshop. In addition to this, an article written by workshop host MEP Seán Kelly drawing attention to the urgency of addressing COPD and creating awareness of the issue in the European Parliament was published in the European Parliament magazine in June. A second EFA COPD workshop to be held again at the European Parliament will take place on November 9, focusing on care for COPD patients and research issues. A speaker from Finland will present a model of best practice in COPD care from their country, a member of the GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) Committee will present the new GOLD guidelines due to be launched only two days before in China, and speakers from our partner organisations for this project (ERS, ELF and IPCRG) will also provide some examples of best practice. Our participating COPD patients will play a central role in the event. It is hoped that the outcome of the workshops will initiate an "own initiative report" on COPD by the European Parliament. This would be a high ranking recommendation urging national governments to address the needs of COPD patients across Europe. For further information please contact EFA Project & Fundraising Officer Antje Fink-Wagner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.