In the EU, 1 in 8 deaths are caused by lung diseases, and numbers are rising. The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the EU and Member States towards more coordinated action on health, primarily focused on crisis prevention and preparedness, while the EU’s ambition of a European Health Union has brought to the forefront the many EU instruments to protect public health and advance health outcomes. From environmental policies to research priorities, to a vibrant single health market for medicines and digitalisation, the EU’s mandate on lung health is crucial and multifaceted. However, policy fragmentation is jeopardising the possibility to alleviate the respiratory disease strain on healthcare systems and improve millions of lives. 

The MEP Lung Health Group will host the presentation of the new publication, “#KeepBreathing: A vision for EU action on lung health 2024-2029”. Panellists and participants will discuss avenues for a sustained, focused and achievable EU action to improve lung health and respiratory disease care in Europe. 

Programme:

13.00 Welcome & Keynote speech by MEP Tomislav Sokol, Co-Chair of MEP Lung Health Group, (Croatia, EPP)

13.10 Discussion - #KeepBreathing: an opportunity for better lung health in the EU 

• Eva Polverino, Director of Scientific Relations with the EU, European Respiratory Society (ERS)
• Marcia Podestà, President, European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA)

13.20 Panel discussion - The time is now for a lung health policy that helps Europe to #KeepBreathing 

• Prevention & public health measures
• Respiratory care, research and innovation
• Steps to prepare for the next respiratory health crisis

Our speakers:

MEP Radka Maxová (Czechia/S&D)

MEP Tomislav Sokol (Croatia/EPP)

MEP Stelios Kympouropoulos (Greece/EPP)

13.55 Wrap up - Anya Sitaram, Moderator

What? Download the agenda here. 

When? 21 February 2024, 13:00-14:00 CET

Where? Online (Zoom)

How? Register below

The European Lung Health Group (ELHG) thanks EFA’s sustainable funding partners for their unrestricted educational grants which have helped the association in coordinating the work towards BREATHE Vision for 2030 and its activities: Astra Zeneca, Chiesi, and Roche. More information here.