FECAVA Newsletter – December 2024
23. décembre 2024
Dear colleagues and friends of FECAVA,
2024 has been a testing year for veterinarians and practices. Turnovers and incomes have fallen amidst a cost-of-living crisis for everyone. Less visits means less patients, whose owners must pay more for their medicines. It’s the perfect storm. FECAVA continues our commitment to support veterinarians in Europe, especially for veterinarians who are struggling to cope.
For FECAVA, we continued our education offering with a one day event in Dublin, a 2 day event in Tirana for a prospective member Albania followed by a superb FECAVA EuroCongress in Athens, joining the Hellenic Vet Med Association in their 30th Year. We rounded off the year with a 3-day plenary session in Mount Sinaia, Romania for the sold-out AMVAC Congress. It was a testament to the strength of our community, boosted by exceptional speakers who wish to be associated with the FECAVA brand that we can bring together so many veterinarians from across Europe for shared learning and professional growth.
We are excited to announce that our next EuroCongress will take place in Antwerp, Belgium, in 3-6 September 2025, where we celebrate our 30th Year with an amazing lineup of Rock Star Speakers in the spectacular venue Room with A Zoo. It really will be a standout event for 2025, so book your place early!
Of course, FECAVA’s efforts in 2024 extended beyond events. We hosted MEPs in January over the Human-Animal bond, we also amplified our advocacy at FVE, UEVP, and EU levels to address issues such as medicines, animal welfare, and sustainability. Our mental health initiatives, clinical resources, and educational offerings continue to support veterinarians in their daily practice. We continue with a revamping of our website and further exciting projects to be announced in the spring of 2025
None of this would be possible without the dedication of the FECAVA Board: Myself, Danny Holmes, Ann Criel, Denis Novak, Stephan Neumann, and Bogdan-Alexandru Vitalaru. The increasing workload meant a need for further professional help. Our newest team member, our FECAVA project manager, Vanessa Chala has boosted our ability to execute projects and increased our availability in Brussels. Together, with the invaluable support of Ulrike Tewes, our office manager, and the commitment of all our working groups, we continue to strengthen our mission. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the individual veterinarians who engage with and support FECAVA.
As we step into 2025, we remain committed to promoting well-being, advancing veterinary education, and ensuring a stronger, more inclusive profession. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference.
On behalf of the FECAVA Board I wish you and your families a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous New Year.
Warm regards,
Danny Holmes
President, FECAVA