Epha

EPHA (European Public Health Alliance) was the largest non-governmental organization in Brussels representing groups that advocate for patients with cancer, mental illness, infectious diseases, as well as doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. As of 2023, the organization represented close to 70 member organizations and participated in discussions on European Union policymaking at the highest level, including topics such as drug shortages, mental health plans, and pharmaceutical regulations.

In 2023, EPHA's budget stood at EUR 2.6 million, with around a quarter of its funding coming from an EU operating grant worth EUR 555,000. The organization faced internal turmoil in early 2024, with the departure of all but two board members, its president, treasurer, and 14 out of 15 expert advisers amid allegations of harassment and discrimination against senior management. An external investigation by a law firm found no evidence of harassment or discrimination, leading to the departure of Aleksandar Sokolović, the husband of EPHA's director general Milka Sokolović, who had risen to become a director within the organization.

Despite the internal challenges, EPHA managed to double its budget compared to 2020 through increased European funding and secured the highest number of grants and projects in its history by the end of 2023.