The European Parliament adopted the declaration on epilepsy.

Members recall that 6 million people in Europe have epilepsy, with 300 000 new cases diagnosed each year. The declaration states that up to 70% of people with epilepsy could be seizure-free with appropriate treatment, while 40% of people with epilepsy in Europe do not receive such treatment. Moreover, people with epilepsy in Europe experience high levels of unemployment and are often exposed to stigma and prejudice.

Given that epilepsy damages health but also disrupts every aspect of life, and can impose physical, psychological and social burdens on individuals and families, Members call on the Commission and the Council to:

encourage research and innovation in the area of prevention and early diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy; prioritise epilepsy as a major disease that imposes a significant burden across Europe; take initiatives to encourage Member States to ensure equal quality of life, including in education, employment, transport and public healthcare, for people with epilepsy, e.g. by stimulating the exchange of best practice; encourage effective health impact assessments on all major EU and national policies.

Lastly, Members call on the Member States to introduce appropriate legislation to protect the rights of all people with epilepsy.