Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council 2026
Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union 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 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 Irish and EU organisations
- Contribute to momentum toward a coordinated EU approach to neurological conditions
Ireland's Presidency comes at a particularly important time for neurological health, 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
NAI Programme for the EU Presidency Neuro Connects
In the lead up to and during the Presidency term, NAI will deliver a programme of advocacy, awareness and stakeholder engagement designed to raise awareness and increase visibility of the neurological agenda through our Neuro Connects Initiative. Our priorities for the Presidency have been informed through our engagement with our member organisations and reflect the views and experiences of people living with neurological conditions from across our campaigns, surveys and focus groups. See the NAI response to the Public Consultation on EU Presidency Priorities.
- The NAI Response to the Call for Submissions on Priorities for the Irish Presidency can be downloaded at Public Consultation EU Presidency Priorities