/ Chris WHITE
Senior European Health Specialist,
North West Regional Health Brussels Office

Workshop 10B25
Born in the UK and having lived in the USA, Switzerland and Belgium for several years, Chris has developed a taste for international relations. He has over 4 years experience of European liaison work and regional development in European engagement, having worked for several UK regional representations based in Brussels including the Kent, Buckinghamshire, Yorkshire and the North West. This experience has given him valuable experience of the EU local and regional office scene and networks, including the EUREGHA Network.
Currently working for the North WestRegional Health Brussels Office, Chris took over the Senior EU Health Specialist role in January 2007 after 2 years as the EU Health Specialist for the NWHBO. In his role, Chris oversees the development of regional partnerships on health issues, and aims to continue increasing the North West of England’s health sector cooperation and engagement in European affairs. His responsibilities include:
  • Organising programme visits to EU institutions by principal regional stakeholders
  • Organising North West conferences and training sessions
  • Liaising with other regions, national and international organisations
  • Lobbying and raising awareness of the North West health community in Europe
  • Networking and creating relationships with MEPs and EU officials
  • Providing timely intelligence in the form of briefings and newsletters
  • Writing North West position papers in response to national and international consultations
  • Bid-writing and programme application support for North West actors
  • Managing the office, its budget and staff
The North WestRegional Health Brussels Office was opened in Brusselson 1 May 2004 with the purpose of increasing the capacity of the regional health economy to lever health, economic, social and environmental benefits from European agencies and institutions.
Chris has been involved with the EUREGHA network since its inception in January 2006, firstly assisting North West participation as Vice-Chair of the network and becoming more highly involved in the network since January 2007. The North West, together with Kent are the current chairs of the EUREGHA network.
EUREGHA is an officer regional and local network, which is active on EU health issues and has no political mandate. The network acts as a platform for all interested regional or local authorities with responsibilities in health or in areas related to health. It is a very open network with no participation fees.