The document summarizes key points from the ECU General Assembly meeting in Zurich in June 2011. It discusses the state of the chiropractic profession in Europe, noting that growth is not occurring in many countries and the profession remains marginal in most places. It identifies threats from competing professions and a lack of unity or organization within the chiropractic community. The document calls for the ECU to develop a Vision 2020 plan and task forces to address issues like education, legislation, and public relations to help the profession expand its numbers, rights, and integration in healthcare systems across Europe.

1. ECU General AssemblyZürich June 3rd 2011

2. Europe; a diverse landscape

3. StatusReykjavik 2008Survey of all thenationalassociationsHow manychiropractors?How many students?The sizeofthepopulationFactors not takenintoconsiderationLaws & regulationsNumberofosteopaths, naprapaths, manual therapists, non ECCE chiropractors, chiropractors not being a memberofthenationalassociation

8. Are we growing, status quo or are we fading out?Is there a reason for concern?Howhealthy is theprofession?

9. Some countries experience growthBut in general:In too many countries; we do not grow.

10. European situationSome have everythingThe rest have little or nothingIn most places in Europe and the worldMarginal groupOne country cannot experience success over years by itself.Dependant on other countries having success too.

11. SWOTThreats:Competing professionsPhysiotherapistsOsteopathsManual therapistsNaprapathsThe gap between the academic institutions and the professionParts of the profession are still in the alternative or CAM businessLack of unityLack of organisation

12. What can the ECU do?Vision 2020Where do chiropractors want to be in 10 years?What kind of rights do chiropractors want?What do we have to do to get these rights?Task Force on educationTask Force on legislationTask Force on Public RelationsBetter organisedWork shopsSeminars

14. Active communication

15. We mustexpand, both in numbers and in countriesMarket for manual treatment of nms disordersOsteopaths, manual therapists, physical therapists, Need to encourage integrationcommunication with other health personnel

16. Brave leadershipEstablish more chiropractic programmes at universitiesNeed to be unitedMore emphasis on interprofessional educationBetter organised