World Federation of Neurology

AbstractBackground and purposeTo acknowledge the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the formation of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), the World Federation of Neurology was invited to contribute its perspective on the formation of the EAN and its activities over the past decade.MethodsThis article is based on the experiences of the author in several functions with the European Union of Medical Specialists, the European Federation of Neurology and the European Neurological Society and with the World Federation of Neurology as a trustee since 2009. This article is supported by the author's own archive as well as by several publications.ResultsThe formation of the EAN was influenced by the activities of the two main predecessor societies, the European Neurological Society and European Federation of Neurology, which left an imprint on the structure of the EAN. The newly formed EAN underwent rigorous structural and organizational changes and has been acting as a successful and independent regional society, expanding increasingly in worldwide activities.ConclusionThe EAN, with its 47 member countries, strong democratic leadership and structure, is an excellent example of a regional society with expanding global influence that uses its advocacy skills to influence and improve the structure of neurology in Europe.