Launch of the European Parliament Intergroup on Cancer & Rare Diseases: A new forum for collaboration and action
4 March 2025, Brussels – The co-chairs of the European Parliament Intergroup (IG) on Cancer & Rare Diseases have hosted the official launch of its 2025 Annual Workplan. This event marked a pivotal moment in shaping Europe’s discourse on health policy, as legislators, policymakers, and key stakeholders gathered to discuss the priorities of the IG identified for this year and beyond.
The event, held in the European Parliament’s Members’ Salon, brought together experts and leaders in the area of cancer and rare diseases from various sectors. The launch featured abrief overview of the group’s objectives from the Intergroup Co-Chairs,as well as an introduction to the organisations that form the secretariat: EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe, the European Cancer Organisation (ECO), and the European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE). The IG Annual Workplan for 2025 will drive forward policy initiatives to tackle Europe’s most pressing challenges in the field of cancer and rare diseases.
Key highlights of the event included:
- The unveiling of the 2025 Annual Workplan, outlining key priorities and initiatives in areas such as health funding in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework, risk and prevention, and the General Pharmaceutical Legislation.
- Presentations from Members of the European Parliament on priorities to address cancer and rare diseases for the upcoming year.
- Interactive dialogues with stakeholders on how the workplan will be implemented in practice and how it will provide a platform for civil society across Europe to lend their voice to cancer and rare disease developments in the EU.
The Intergroup’s first workplan represents a strategic approach to ensure that Europe remains a leader on the global stage on the topics of cancer and rare diseases, as well as health in general, while addressing the evolving needs of its diverse Member States. The work of the Intergroup will serve as a roadmap, aiming to shape the European Parliament’s legislative agenda and guiding other institutions during this ongoing mandate.
About EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe is a unique, non-profit alliance of over 1,000 rare disease organisations from 74 countries that work together to improve the lives of the 30 million people living with a rare disease in Europe. By connecting people, families, and rare disease groups, as well as by bringing together all stakeholders and mobilising the rare disease community, EURORDIS strengthens the patient voice and shapes research, policies, and services.
About the European Cancer Organisation
The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) is the largest multi-professional cancer organisation in Europe. It helps reduce the burden of cancer, improve outcomes, and enhance the quality of care for cancer patients. As the not-for-profit federation of member organisations working across Europe, the European Cancer Organisation convenes cancer professionals and patients to agree on policy, advocate for change, and speak up for the European cancer community.
About SIOP Europe
The European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOP Europe or SIOPE) is the only pan-European organisation representing all professionals working in the field of childhood cancers. With more than 2,500 members across 35 European countries, SIOPE is leading the way to ensure the best possible care and outcomes for all children and adolescents with cancer in Europe.
Contact
Julien Poulain
Communications Manager
EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe
Julien.poulain@eurordis.org
+33 6 42 98 14 32