25/10/2025
A productive and inspiring visit to the Norwegian Chiropractors’ Association Congress
This past weekend, I had the great pleasure of attending the professional congress of the Norwegian Chiropractors’ Association (NKF) in Stavanger in my capacity as Secretary-General of the European Chiropractors’ Union (ECU).
During the visit, I had very constructive meetings with NKF President Anne Marie Selboskar Selven and Secretary-General Øystein Ogre. As the largest member association within the ECU, NKF expressed its full support for the ongoing work of the Union and the new strategic direction being set. NKF also committed to contributing actively to, and participating in, the new working groups currently being established. The ECU highly values and appreciates NKF’s continued support and engagement.
I also had the opportunity to meet with Jakob Lothe, the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) European representative, for fruitful discussions on shared interests, collaboration, and information exchange. This included dialogue regarding engagement with WHO Europe, where Mr. Lothe serves as WFC’s liaison. The ECU truly appreciates the close cooperation between ECU and WFC and the constructive dialogue both organisations maintain with WHO Europe.
Further, I met with representatives from ELiB – the Norwegian Research Foundation on Musculoskeletal Disability, including President Eli Magnesen and Head of Research Iben Axén. We discussed ways to strengthen support, knowledge sharing, and collaboration between our organisations, particularly in ways that can benefit ECU’s member associations. It is inspiring to see that we share a common vision and values — embracing an E.P.I.C. approach: Evidence-based, People-centred, Interprofessional, and Collaborative.
Another highlight of the visit was a very valuable meeting with Helen Brandstorp, Director of Divisions at the Norwegian Directorate of Health and a member of Norway’s delegation to the European Union Health Division. Our discussion focused on how chiropractic can be further integrated into broader health policy discussions and reform initiatives within the EU, and how musculoskeletal health can be better included within the framework of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Ms. Brandstorp, who recently worked with the EU Health Division in Brussels, shared insightful perspectives and informed me that Norway is currently leading this work at the EU level. She kindly connected ECU with the lead for this initiative — a dialogue that we will continue to follow up.
Overall, it was a highly productive and encouraging visit to Stavanger. My sincere thanks to all who took the time to meet and engage in such meaningful discussions. The ECU deeply values the spirit of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared purpose that continues to strengthen our European chiropractic community.
