The World Health Assembly is preparing to adopt a landmark resolution urging countries to prioritise an integrated approach to lung health, addressing infectious and non-communicable respiratory diseases, including asthma and COPD. The resolution calls for unified national policies that address all lung diseases, stronger primary healthcare systems, and concrete action on environmental as well as social risk factors. EFA, together with the European Lung Health Group, has sent an Open Letter urging the EU to support and co-sponsor the resolution.

The #EFACommunity travelled to Prague for the GlobalSkin Conference 2025, uniting with dermatology patient leaders to call for greater recognition of atopic dermatitis on the EU health agenda. This global dialogue was especially timely as EFA supports the WHA Resolution on Skin Diseases, urging EU leadership to prioritise earlier diagnosis, better training, increased access to treatment, and a global action plan rooted in patients’ needs. #SkinHealthForAll must be a priority in health policies across Europe and beyond.

EFA co-signed an open letter from EU4Health Civil Society Alliance (CSA) calling on the European Commission to urgently publish the delayed EU4Health 2025 Work Plan. We raise concerns about the loss of momentum on key EU health priorities (NCDs, mental health, and infectious diseases) and we firmly believe in more inclusive and flexible EU4Health funding to enable the full potential of European-level patient groups in informing health policy. A strong, well-funded civil society is essential to shape health policy and build a resilient European Health Union.

The delay in revising key EU tobacco laws is putting Europe’s Tobacco-Free Generation goal at risk. With the increasing use of nicotine products like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, especially among youth, current regulations are no longer sufficient. In full alignment with 12 EU Member States, EFA has consistently called for urgent action, including clearer definitions, stricter commercialisation rules, plain packaging, and a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising. These regulatory updates are critical to protecting the youth and addressing the growing risks of allergy, asthma and COPD.

World Asthma Day is around the corner and the #EFACommunity is joining forces to call for better asthma care across Europe. Access to early diagnosis, the right treatment and proper education must become a reality for everyone living with asthma. In the lead-up to 6 May, we are sharing our key asks for improving asthma care and practical tips to support better asthma management. Join our campaign to highlight why education must be central to asthma care!

The LungHealth4Life Community of Practice, part of the EU-funded #LungHealth4Life project, is bringing together patient associations, youth organisations, education specialists, and healthcare professionals to improve lung health for young people across Europe. We are now collecting best practices that support education, prevention and care for chronic respiratory diseases. If you have an initiative, programme, or resource to share, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire!

Every day, 200 million people across Europe live with allergy, asthma, and COPD and for them, life sciences are not just progress, but a passport for better future lives. In April, EFA responded to the European Commission’s call for evidence for an EU Life Sciences Strategy, urging a health-in-all-policies approach that should be driven by patients’ unmet needs. We call for research that prioritises real lives, stronger healthcare systems, and meaningful patient involvement every step of the way.