International recognition from our worldwide partners
As the representative body for urologists in Europe and beyond, we put a lot of effort in developing and maintaining close relations with the independent national and international urological societies. One illustrative example is the Urology Beyond Europe sessions during our Annual Congresses where, in close collaboration with non-European urological associations, we address pressing urological issues in different parts of the world.
It is therefore extremely rewarding to have recently received several awards from various partners across the world. We truly feel honoured to receive this kind of recognition of our contributions to urology all over the world.
The French Félix Guyon MedalDuring the 110th edition of the French Urological Association (AFU), Prof. Francesco Montorsi accepted the Félix Guyon Medal on behalf of the EAU. The medal is intended to honour French or foreign personalities in service for services rendered to both urology and the Association.
As one of the oldest allies, the Association Francaise d’Urologie (AFU) and the European Association have had a special and close relation for many years. One of the first joint projects was the organisation of the Annual EAU Congress in 1996. It was the first official collaboration of the EAU and a national society to organise the congress with equal shares. This laid the foundation of the current format of the Annual EAU Congress. The AFU is appointed as one of the Major Five Societies of the EAU and several French experts have fulfilled key positions within the organisation.
CUA Best Strategic Partner AwardFrom 2 to 3 November 2016, Beijing and Guangzhou hosted the 3rd Chinese European Urology Education Programme (CEUEP). Considered as the Chinese edition of the EAU’s well-known European Urology Residents Education Programme (EUREP) annually held in Prague, CEUEP reflects the long-standing cooperation between the EAU and Chinese urology. Under the flag of the CUA, the programme has been organised since 2008 and is continued by the Wu Jieping Medical Foundation. The EAU also works closely with the CUA on other joint projects, such as the EAU World Chinese Urology joint session in the Urology Beyond Europe programme during the annual EAU congress, which will enter its fourth year in London during EAU17.
In recognition of the EAU’s support and cooperation and the EAU's contribution to urology in China, the CUA honoured the EAU with the CUA Best Strategic Partner Award. The ceremony took place during the Welcome Reception Dinner of the 23rd CUA Annual Meeting in Tianjin where former EAU Adjunct Secretary General Prof. Walter Artibani accepted the award on behalf of the EAU.
Recognition from the Hellenic Uro-Onco Group
For the third year, the Hellenic Genitourinary Cancer Group organised a multidisciplinary meeting, entitled "Challenges-In the application of Guidelines-In Genitourinary Cancer". Urologists, Oncologists, General Practitioners & Radiotherapists gathered in Athens to discuss any shortcomings of current directives in the treatment of genitourinary cancer patients. Prof. Hein Van Poppel attended the meeting on behalf of the EAU and was awarded by the Directive Committee of the Hellenic Genitourinary Cancer Group for his outstanding contribution to Uro-Genital Oncology.
The Hellenic Urological Association (HUA) is another body with which the EAU has close ties. The relation between the two organisations has been longstanding and since 2008 the collaboration has been strengthened by several EAU lectures at Greek meetings and the joint development of several position statements. Recently an en-bloc membership agreement was closed and several Greek urologists have fulfilled or are still fulfilling key positions within the EAU. In July of this year, the ESUT meeting was successfully held in Athens.
Intensifying international relationsCollaboration is essential for the longevity of our Association as funding diminishes and new technologies risk reducing the number of urologists. We will continue to represent urology at an international level, with -and through- national societies. These kinds of recognitions definitely strengthen us in our motivation.