This newsletter edition comes at a time of important action on asthma and lung health in Europe. 

On 5 May, we will mark World Asthma Day 2026 under the theme #EmpoweredToBreathe – taking control of asthma every day. Across Europe, EFA members will join the global community by organising events and sharing messages online that reflect what matters most to asthma patients in their countries. This is an opportunity to highlight what helps people live better with asthma: timely diagnosis, the right treatment, practical support, and the confidence to manage their condition in daily life. It is also a moment to draw attention to AboutAsthma.org, EFA’s website for patients and carers, which offers practical information and EFA member resources in several European languages. 

Alongside these public awareness efforts, the period is important for our work on lung health policy. In Brussels, the European Lung Health Group came together in person to take the next steps towards a stronger European Lung Health Plan and to align key policy priorities for the months ahead. Building on the momentum of the High-Level Forum on Lung Health, this meeting helped focus our efforts, strengthen engagement with policymakers and support a more coordinated approach to lung health in Europe. 

Across these activities, the priority remains clear: better prevention, earlier diagnosis, stronger support for self-management, and policies that reflect the real needs of patients. Thank you for your continued interest in EFA’s work and for helping advance allergies, asthma, and COPD on the European agenda! 

Warm regards, 

Károly Illy, 
EFA President 
+31 6 81463663 

On 24 April, patient members of the European Lung Health Group (ELHG) met in Brussels at the venue of the EU-PFF Summit to discuss the next steps for joint advocacy on lung health in Europe. The meeting looked at how to continue building the momentum of the World Health Assembly resolution on lung health, shape advocacy activities around WHA 2026 and continue advancing the case for strong lung health policy in Europe. Discussions also covered the main takeaways from the recent High-Level Forum on lung health, achievements from the past year and the next steps towards a European Lung Health Plan. Together, these exchanges helped align members on shared priorities for a coordinated action on prevention, diagnosis, care and research in lung health policy across Europe. 

At the second High Level Forum on Lung Health, organised by the European Lung Health Group, patient organisations, policymakers, civil society and healthcare stakeholders came together to discuss the need towards a European Lung Health Plan both from patient and public health perspective. The discussion highlighted a shared view that action on lung health in Europe remains too fragmented and a more coordinated approach is needed across prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and research. MEP Aurelijus Veryga (ECR, Lithuania) joined the discussion, underlining the importance of political momentum and building support for a dedicated plan at both EU and national level. Key themes included stronger implementation of air quality and tobacco control measures, better access to diagnosis and treatment and the need for sustained political will and investment to turn evidence into action. 

At the European PF Patient Summit 2026, Frazer Goodwin, EFA Policy Coordinator, spoke on behalf of EFA and the European Lung Health Group (ELHG) during a panel on turning European priorities into national lung and rare disease policies. The session discussed how national plans can work better for people living with pulmonary fibrosis and other rare respiratory conditions. The discussion focused on helping patients reach the right expertise sooner, improving care pathways and responding better to unmet needs beyond treatment alone. Frazer also highlighted the role the EU can play in building political momentum, supporting cooperation between countries and driving progress towards a strong European Lung Health Plan. 

On 5 May, EFA will mark World Asthma Day 2026 under the theme #EmpoweredToBreathe – taking control of asthma every day. Across Europe, our community will be sharing patient-centred messages on what helps people feel more in control of asthma, while inviting patients and carers to explore AboutAsthma.org. Available in English, Spanish, French and Italian, the website brings together practical information and resources to help people better understand asthma, manage it with more confidence and find support in daily life. 

8 June | SynAir-G Workshop (Residence Palace, 14:00–16:00 & Zoom) 
“Smart Synergies for Action: Connecting Data, Patients, and Policy on Indoor Air Quality” will explore key findings from the EU-funded SynAir-G project and look at how patient perspectives can help turn data into action. The workshop will cover topics including the SynAir-G Data Map, the role of AI and how clinical and environmental data can be communicated and used to support a shift from reactive to preventive care. EFA is organising the event and will also welcome several of our members as speakers. 

9 June | IDEAL Cluster Final Event (Residence Palace, from 09:00) 
“The Air We Share: shaping healthier indoor air quality in Europe and beyond” will bring together seven Horizon Europe projects of the IDEAL Cluster and more than 120 organisations to share evidence, technologies, health and socio-economic insights, and policy recommendations, alongside a shared roadmap for cleaner indoor air. EFA will contribute insights on air quality in classrooms and present the IDEAL Cluster Joint Policy Briefs on behalf of the SynAir-G project.

10 June | SynAir-G Roundtable at the European Parliament (Room SPAAK 1A2, 13:30–15:00) 
This high-level discussion, hosted by MEP Aurelijus Veryga (ECR, Lithuania), will mark the launch of the SynAir-G White Paper and Policy Recommendations on indoor air quality in schools. The roundtable will present key technologies, highlight the patient perspective, and support stronger policy action at both EU and local level. EFA is organising the event and will present the project’s policy recommendations on indoor air quality.