EPHI was originally set up by former MEP Christofer Fjellner to work on sustainability and public health issues at EU level. EPHI now has a staff member based in Brussels.
Erik, tell us a little about yourself?
A northerner who grew up in the mill town of Bollstabruk, who entered politics via MUF and has worked with social issues in various formats for over thirteen years. The environment and public health issues have been a bit of a common thread for most of those years, by, among other things, having been involved in forming the (now discontinued) organization Green Cities, which had its heyday in connection with the discussion of Agenda 2030 and the UN's climate goals being at its hottest. Living in Brussels since 2021, where I moved after my wife got a job at the European Commission, together with our daughter.
What issues will EPHI pursue in Brussels?
Apart from the fact that it will be the fields of environment and public health, it is still a bit early to say exactly what the issues will be. Some issues that we have worked a lot on in Sweden we will of course continue to work on at the EU level, but a big part of the first time on the job is just sitting down with smart people and discussing what issues EPHI, given our specific profile with a strong emphasis on pragmatism and being a bit controversial, should focus on. However, expect to see a series of activities, such as reports, podcasts and events this fall where we introduce the issues we will focus on in more detail.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
To be at the interface of ideas, public interest, business and politics. To identify exciting issues that matter to many and articulate and communicate intelligent solutions on how society should address these issues, together with other super talented people. Although this term is not as dominated by sustainability issues as the last one, which introduced the Green Deal, now is the time to turn many of the ideas presented then into reality. This is an extremely important time for Europe, and EPHI is well placed to be an important voice.
What is the best thing about living in Brussels?
After almost ten years in Stockholm, the thing that struck me most about Brussels was just how relaxed it is. There are so many talented people who have come here for a career in the EU institutions or one of the many organizations and companies that work with the institutions, but despite that, it is a very laid back atmosphere that I appreciate very much. Then, of course, it is extremely stimulating to be in such a dynamic environment where both the big and small EU issues are discussed daily in different contexts where the number of nationalities represented around the table is often as many as the people present.
