01 October 2026

CPME outlined importance of independent national medical associations during European Public Diplomacy Days

During the European Public Diplomacy Days, CPME Treasurer Prof. Dr Raymond Walley, outlined the importance of politically and financially independent national civil society. For national medical associations, for example, this enables them to defend professional ethics and evidence-based medicine.

Prof. Dr Walley spoke as part of the session "Civil society, health and peace – together for global solidarity", hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee.

He highlighted that CPME is grateful to be financed by its members. This independence is not only vital within the patient-doctor relationship, but also to be able to not only represent the medical profession but also act as ambassadors of patients’ rights and healthcare systems overall. Independence is key to creating trust in civil society to raise above the political and economic interests and allowing them to speak out on behalf of those whose voice is not heard.

Where doctors are trusted, they are in a position to speak out against inequities and remedy them. This also applies to avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring the greatest possible transparency. Additionally, where policy decisions are influenced by commercial or political bias, the outcomes are likely to create inequities.

He emphasised that evidence-based action is vital to build trust and oppose conflicts of interest. This applies not only to clinical decisions regarding patient care but also policy decisions as to the financing, organisation and priorities in health systems.