On 24 November, Alzheimer Europe held a second Annual General Meeting (AGM), to present, discuss and adopt a new Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, as well as the Work Plan and Budget for 2026. Alzheimer Europe Chairperson Maria do Rosário Zincke dos Reis and Executive Director Jean Grorges co-chaired the online meeting, which was attended by 35 out of the organisation's 41 full member organisations, meaning quorum was clearly achieved. There were also members of the Alzheimer Europe Board and staff in attendance, together with a number of observers. The AGM began by adopting the agenda for this meeting and the minutes of the previous AGM of 4 June 2025.
Attendees then heard from the organisation's Honorary Secretary Lorène Gilly, about the proposed Strategic Plan for the coming five years. She reflected on the existing Strategic Plan for 2021-2025 and was happy to report that there had been overwhelmingly positive feedback on this plan from members, during consultations in 2024 and 2025, and noted that most of the objectives had been met. Similarities between the existing plan and the new plan include keeping the existing mission statement: “to change perceptions, policy and practice in order to improve the lives of people affected by dementia”. Whilst our mission remains unchanged, there are some notable differences in the plan, which include expanding the strategic objectives from six to ten, to better reflect the emerging needs and priorities of the organisation and linking these more closely with the organisation’s current work.
The ten Strategic Objectives 2026-2030 are:
• Meaningfully involve people affected by dementia
• Challenge stigma and promote public awareness of dementia
• Advance the human rights of people affected by dementia
• Champion diversity, inclusion and intersectionality
• Make dementia a priority of European and national policies on disability, health, social affairs and research
• Foster dementia research and innovation
• Promote equal access to quality diagnosis, treatment, care and support
• Raise awareness of brain health and prevention
• Support national Alzheimer’s associations and build a strong united movement
• Ensure financial and organisational sustainability.
She ended this section of the meeting with a big thank you to all members, both working groups (the European Working Group of People with Dementia and the European Dementia Carers Working Group) and all the staff in the Alzheimer Europe team for their support and excellent contributions to the work done and for their dedication and commitment. Following this address, The AGM voted unanimously to adopt the new plan. Lorène Gilly proceeded to present the Work Plan for 2036, based on this new Strategic Plan, whilst Jean Georges shared the association budget for next year, with the AGM. Both were unanimously adopted. Thank you to all delegates, speakers and observers who joined our AGM. It is always an inspiration to see the European Dementia Movement in action and while there are some very busy and challenging times ahead, we are optimistic that we can carry out our ambitious yet realistic plans, by working together.