The European Parliament Interest Group on Allergy and Asthma is an informal group of Members of the European Parliament committed to improving the health and quality of life of people living with asthma and allergy in Europe. Set up in 2015, the group aims at raising awareness for these highly prevalent chronic diseases, fostering European research, sharing best practices and preventing the onset of these diseases for future generations.
Putting Allergy and Asthma on top of the political agenda
The members of the Interest Group meet several times a year to touch upon key topics and provide a platform for engagement for all relevant stakeholders and policymakers. Key contributors to the sessions include but not limited to the European Commission health-related services, Member States’ health and research attachés, and representatives from industry, academia and the public health community.
Timely action and evidence-based policy making for better prevention and care
The prevalence of allergy and asthma has grown to alarming proportions in conjunction with rising environmental challenges, such as air pollution and climate change. A health-in-all-policies approach is therefore needed. Protection of allergy and asthma patients requires policy-making that goes beyond health, including fields such as the environment, chemicals, food, consumer products and employment. Members of the European Parliament committed to the interest group can use their position and influence in their committees to advocate for such an inclusive approach to the benefit of allergy and asthma patients.
In early 2019, the Interest Group launched a Blueprint reaffirming its commitment to help improve research, prevention and care to the benefit of people living with allergy and asthma in Europe. It encourages the post-election European Parliament as well as the current and incoming European Commission leadership to become ambassadors of allergy and asthma, helping to improve the lives of people living with these diseases.
Secretariat and further information
The secretariat of the Interest Group is run by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA).
Further Information on the Interest Group on allergy and asthma can be found on its website.