Policymakers, health leaders and patient advocates share why lung health must be a political priority.
The Healthy Lungs for Life event at the European Parliament brought together powerful voices across Europe calling for urgent action to improve respiratory health. Here is what they had to say:
Nicolae Ștefănuță MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament
“Health is not a privilege, it is a right. No European citizen should have a shorter life expectancy simply because of where they are born. We must make policymakers understand that investing in clean air and prevention is not a cost, but a commitment to health for all.”
Adam Jarubas MEP, Chair of the SANT Subcommittee
“It is crucial to ensure that people have access to all available treatments and care across the EU. They must be treated equally, regardless of their place of residence. Lung testing must remain a priority. As I always say: health should depend on DNA code, but it must not depend on postal code.”
Stine Bosse MEP, Vice-Chair of the SANT Subcommittee
“Prevention is a cornerstone of health policy. Everything that can be prevented should be prevented. But for those facing unavoidable diseases, access to medicines and effective treatments is crucial.”
Dimitris Kontopidis, Chair of European Lung Foundation (ELF)
“Empowered patients can create real change. But being activists and heroes is not a long-term pathway. We believe in systemic changes and long-term solutions.”
Prof. Barbara Hoffmann, Advocacy Council Chair of European Respiratory Society (ERS)
“The most important thing a health professional can do to help drive prevention and protection against lung disease is to talk about it. Talk to your neighbours, talk to people in your communities, talk to your local policymakers, so they know how important it is.”
Helen Parks, Patient Advocate at European Lung Foundation (ELF)
“The LungHealth4Life project is a prime example of successful collaboration… bringing together Hungary, Poland, and Portugal to improve health education for children and their parents.”
Ed Powell, Chair of European Lung Foundation (ELF) Youth Group
“The lived experience of young people with lung conditions must be part of the policymaking conversation.”
Ganescu Costin Radu, President of National Coalition of Organisations for Patients with Chronic Conditions (Romania)
“Real change for patients begins with being heard at the EU level.”
Michal Len, Head of Europe Portfolio, Clean Air Fund
“Improving air quality is one of the most impactful ways we can protect lung health across Europe.”
Want to get involved? Learn more about the MEP Lung Health Group and how policymakers can support action for healthier lungs.
The Lungs Europe enterprise number is 0738.383.695
