The event was organised by the European Patients’ Forum (EPF) and provided a platform for a series of talks from Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), representatives from the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), stakeholders, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Discussions centred around the critical issue of patient-centred policy, public involvement, and research within the European Union.
During the event, Alzheimer Europe staff members Lukas Duffner, Project Officer and Sebastien Libert, Public Involvement Officer met with four MEPs attending: Adam Jarubas (Poland), András Kulja (Hungary), Ondřej Dostál (Czechia) and Vytenis Andriukaitis (Lithuania). They advocated for dementia to be prioritised in the MEPs' mandates, communicating about the recently developed Helsinki Manifesto by Alzheimer Europe, and offering guidance to MEPs who were interested to join the European Alzheimer Alliance.
Sebastien and Lukas also talked to the Chair of the Latvian Network of Patient Organisations Baiba Ziemele, and inquired about national developments regarding the formation of a national Alzheimer’s association. Additionally, they connected with colleagues from EPF to exchange ideas, discuss common challenges, and explore potential collaborations. Overall, the EPF’s high-level policy event provided valuable insights into the current landscape of patient-centred health organisations and policy and allowed Alzheimer Europe to advocate for the specific needs of people living with dementia. Engagement with MEPs and colleagues from EPF will contribute to Alzheimer Europe's efforts to advance the recognition of dementia as an important priority for EU research, policy, health and social care programmes. Alzheimer Europe is grateful to EPF for the invitation to this well-organised and interesting event and for valuable insights and networking opportunities.