Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council 2026
Ireland’s Presidency of the EU in 2026 represents a vital opportunity to increase the profile of neurological conditions at both national and European levels. With neurological conditions now a leading cause of disability across Europe, the Presidency provides a strategic platform to join our voice here in Ireland to the growing calls for a more integrated approach to neurological conditions across the EU.
Background and Strategic Context
Neurological conditions are among the leading causes of disability and disease burden across Europe, with growing recognition of the social, economic and healthcare impact of neurological disorders.
Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union presents a unique opportunity to:
- Increase visibility of neurological health issues at Irish and European level
- Strengthen partnerships between Irish stakeholders and between Ireland and EU umbrella organisations
- Contribute to momentum toward a coordinated European neurological strategy
The initiative is particularly timely following the February 2026 hearing of the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health (SANT) on: Brain health: 'Policy challenges and opportunities to manage neurological diseases'. The hearing represents a significant milestone in advancing a European approach to neurological health policy. Following the hearing, the SANT Committee has opened a file on neurological health that is expected to shape future European Commission action and policy development in this area, Briefing and information from the EU Parliament SANT Committee on Public Health can be downloaded at Sant Committee February 2026
- CEO of NAI Mags Rogers joins other stakeholders in speaking on a forthcoming neurological health strategy in Politico 2026 at The Hidden Depths of Neurological Disease
- EFNA article The Rapidly Evolving Agenda of Brain Health at The Rapidly Evolving Area of Brain Health
- European Brain Council Towards a European Co-Ordination Plan for the Brain
- The NAI Response to the Call for Submissions on Priorities for the Irish Presidency can be downloaded at Public Consultation EU Presidency Priorities