We are excited to share that the 2025 EFA Community Programme is now live! Developed in collaboration with our hosting member from Slovenia, Društvo Atopijski Dermatitis and the new Community Meeting Committee, this year’s programme features interactive sessions on strengthening our collective voice, empowering our community and sharing best practices. Whether EFA members are attending in person in Ljubljana or virtually, we look forward to welcoming you!

On the 4-5 February, the organisations of the European Lung Health Group came together at the European Parliament to raise awareness about respiratory diseases and call for EU action on lung health.

Thanks to an interactive exhibition and lung testing organised by Lungs Europe, the European level respiratory patient organisations, including Alpha-1 Europe Alliance, Cystic Fibrosis Europe, the European Pulmonary Fibrosis Federation, Tuberculosis Europe Coalition, and EFA, we marked the relaunch of the MEP Lung Health Group.

Discussions focused on the need for better prevention, diagnosis, and care to #KeepBreathing, with a dedicated roundtable on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Millions of people with allergy and respiratory diseases are at risk due to poor indoor air, which can worsen symptoms and lead to long-term health problems. The Mind the Gap webinar, co-hosted by SynAir-G and EDIAQI, highlighted the urgent need for an EU-wide framework to ensure safe indoor environments. EFA called for clear standards, stronger public engagement and policies that protect vulnerable groups in Europe. 

EFA presented key policy recommendations for raising COPD standards of care in the European Parliament, with the strong support of MEPs Romana Jerković, Tilly Metz, and András Kulja from the MEP Lung Health Group. The event emphasised the need for early detection programmes, stronger tobacco control and improved air quality policies. With input from the patient community, EFA’s newly launched report set the stage for urgent action to tackle stigma, expand access to care and drive research for better COPD care in Europe.

In February, EFA backed the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) plan to develop guidelines for nasal medicinal products, ensuring safer and more accessible treatments. As nasal sprays are key for managing airway conditions, these guidelines will help expand treatment options. EFA also stresses the need for clear patient information on equivalent products, empowering people to make informed health choices.

At the EU Healthy Air Coalition’s Policy Outlook event, EFA highlighted that air pollution is a health crisis for millions with respiratory conditions. Through patient testimonies and a plea for urgency, the #EFACommunity called on EU Member States to fully implement the new Air Quality Directive. Without action, millions will suffer from worsening allergy and respiratory symptoms and increased healthcare burdens. National actions must match EU commitments to ensure clean air for all to #KeepBreathing.