MEP Harkin points to the European semester as a way to influence the European agenda. She also mentioned that Ireland has recognised pain as a medical specialty, which brought along better trainings and cost-benefit thanks to patient pathways that help patients get home sooner after surgery. MEP Harkin also mentioned the creation of an interest group on Brain, Mind and Pain, and how this group together with others could look into the cross-cutting issues, to raise awareness among MEPs.