Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

The role of the CNO is to advise the government and policy makers in the field of public health in their country, participate in defining national objectives for the profession, represent the authorities in this field, make medical care visible such as it is promoted by the authorities in the country and summarise the various interests within the profession. The European CNO meet each other regularly, in accordance with WHO recommendations. 

In order to carry out the duties described above, the CNO must perform the following activities:

• visit fields of work where nurses are active
• organise, participate in and/or hold a speech during conferences and seminars
• meet nurses at all levels to gather their recommendations
• participate in and/or design discussion forums for (medical) policy makers
• participate in ministerial and parliamentary meetings, both at national and international level
• participate in national and international meetings.

The European CNO meet each other every 6 months in the country holding the EU presidency, in accordance with WHO recommendations.

The aim of participation in this meeting is to discuss current nursing problems that are common in all countries: the difficulties relating to the retention of personnel, ensuring the duty, quality and safety of care, arranging the migrations of health workers without hindering freedom of movement, etc.

Examples of good practices are then given and sometimes common points of view are achieved.

The meeting on 8 September will also provide the CNO with the opportunity to prepare for the discussions at the European Inter-Ministerial Conference, which will take place over the subsequent 2 days.