Neurological conditions are a growing public health challenge across Europe. They are currently the third leading cause of disability and premature death in the EU and their impact is expected to increase as Europe’s population continues to age. There is increasing momentum and recognition for the need for a co-ordinated strategic response to neurological conditions across EU Member States. Earlier this year, the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health (SANT) agreed to prepare an own initiative report on neurological health.
Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union comes at an important time of increasing policy focus on neurological health. On July 22nd, World Brain Day, the NAI keynote event, Neurology at the Forefront of Innovation in Knowledge-Based Healthcare and Research Across Europe, brought together Irish and European organisations representing people affected by neurological conditions, researchers and clinicians to consider how Europe can respond more effectively to the growing challenge of neurological conditions through stronger healthcare delivery, research and innovation.
We were delighted to have Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health, give the keynote address. The Minister acknowledged all the organisations involved in the event and the value of event, as well as acknowledging the growing burden of neurological conditions, referencing that across Ireland over 860,000 people are living with a neurological condition, almost one in six people.
Our event host Billy Kelleher, MEP for Ireland South, welcomed discussions and insights from the event which come ahead of an initiative report which will begin this Autumn. In February the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health (SANT) agreed to prepare an initiative report on neurological health.
Nina Carberry MEP for Midlands North West, gave the closing remarks at the event. She outlined her own commitment and track record in supporting neurological conditions, especially in the area of Dementia. She re-iterating the growing challenge of neurological conditions and the need for a joined up EU strategic approach across healthcare, research and innovation. She congratulated the event partners, and together with her MEP colleagues, she looks forward to continue to supporting the issue of neurological health. As a member of the European Parliament's Committee on Budgets (BUDG), she highlighted the importance of securing adequate EU funding for neurological research through the next long-term EU budget.
We were joined by so many Irish and European experts, representing people affected by neurological conditions. Their contribution helped make the event a valuable opportunity for researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and patient organisations to explore how Europe can strengthen healthcare, research, and innovation for people living with neurological conditions.
The event is recognised as an Associated Event of the Irish Presidency of the European Union 2026
- A recording of the event is available at EVENT VIDEO