New Roadmap Launched at European Parliament Urges EU to Complete, Refresh and Expand its Cancer Plan

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from across the political spectrum gathered today to highlight the state of cancer policy in Europe. They emphasised their support for cancer remaining a top  political priority in Europe, and they undertook to work together over the next five years to help accelerate improvements in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, care and research in all Member Countries. 

Today's meeting was also an opportunity to present the European Cancer Roadmap to 2030,  a range of specific recommendations for the future of EU cancer policy in key areas.  

To achieve the recommendations, and to ensure strong parliamentary input and oversight of EU cancer policy, the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) is working with MEPs to bring forward a joint parliamentary resolution on cancer. ECO and the European Association of Cancer Leagues is also developing a cancer 'Intergroup' for greater exchange between the EU’s elected representatives and cancer professionals, patients and experts.  

The launch and meeting was kindly hosted by incoming Hungarian MEP and surgeon András Kulja. 

‘I was pleased to bring together Members of the European Parliament from across the political parties this morning in Strasbourg,’ he said. ‘We discussed how we can best work together to ensure we accelerate the delivery of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan over the next five years.’  

ECO Chief Executive Mike Morrissey and Head of Policy Richard Price have been in Strasbourg all week with a team of ECO staff to connect with MEPs. The visit coincides with the first plenary session of all 720 MEPs - the new legislature of the European Parliament for 2024-2029. 

Following the European elections, ECO has met and engaged with the Commissioner for Health, Commissioner of Democracy, and more than 50 MEPs, including new and existing members of National & European Parliamentarians for Cancer Action. The meetings and Roadmap will ensure the continuity of the 'Time to Accelerate' campaign following the success of the European Cancer Manifesto which was disseminated widely prior to the June parliamentary elections.    

Read the Roadmap and learn more about the Time to Accelerate campaign here.