The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) marked its 50th anniversary in Brussels with real celebration: a warm Christmas reception on 3 December at the FVE office, followed the next day by a forward-looking symposium exploring the past, present and future of our veterinary profession.
One Health One Welfare as guiding star
‘We’ve come a long way – our practices have changed, as have our views of pain relief, pet healthcare and public health, noted keynote speaker Patricia Reilly, Member of President von der Leyen's Cabinet, who reflected on her journey as a vet’s daughter and large animal veterinarian. ‘BSE has changed the face of food safety in Europe – for the better,’ she said, highlighting its role in the creation of EFSA. Looking to the future, she encouraged veterinarians to speak up and keep One Health One Welfare as their guiding star.
Veterinarians, the frontline actors in global health
‘Climate change, emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance – the future is already here,’ observed keynote speaker Montserrat Arroyo, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). ‘I don’t like to call them crises, I prefer calling them challenges - they will keep coming, and it’s all about how we prepare for them. Preparedness is key!’ She emphasized that strong veterinary services are essential, and these included veterinary practitioners, ‘the frontline actors in global health.’
The European veterinary profession – how are we doing today?
A dynamic panel featuring Mette Kirkeskov (deputy CVO Denmark), Frank Verdonck (EFSA), Inês Grenho Ajuda (Eurogroup for Animals) and Petra Winter (EAEVE), explored where the profession stands today, discussing vets’ roles in biosecurity, animal welfare, food safety, veterinary education and the growing administrative demands placed on practitioners.
The European Veterinary profession – what lies ahead?
Looking ahead, Tilly Metz (European Parliament), Carel du Marchie Sarvaas (HealthforAnimals), Ivan Zemljak (Croatian veterinary chamber) and Malaika Zürn (IVSA) tackled the big questions shaping our future: digital technology and artificial intelligence, the increasingly female veterinary workforce, the importance of communication and business skills, animal health visits and ethical dilemmas.
‘Be louder – European citizens are on your side!’
‘To master the challenges ahead, we need to build up trust with other stakeholders and policy makers,’ noted UEVP president Volker Moser, asking the panel how this could be achieved. ‘You need to be a lot louder as a profession,' recommended Carel du Marchie Sarvaas. ‘Don’t forget you have the European citizens on your side,’ stressed Tilly Metz. ‘In particular in the field of animal welfare, even the more extreme politicians will listen to vets.’
‘You are FVE!’
‘You are FVE!’, concluded Siegfried Moder, President of the Federation, addressing the audience. ‘Every animal you treat, every policy you influence, every student you mentor… – you are the living legacy of the past fifty years. Here’s to the next 50 years of veterinary excellence in Europe – and to all of us who will build it together!’
(photos ©Karin de Lange)