On 24 February 2026, the European Lung Health Group (ELHG) convened its second High-Level Forum on Lung Health in Brussels, bringing together European policymakers, EU officials, patient representatives, healthcare professionals, researchers, and civil society organisations. The Forum included contributions from senior representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament, and key EU agencies, including DG SANTE, DG ENV, DG RTD, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the European Environment Agency (EEA), as well as Members of the European Parliament. The meeting focused on strengthening prevention, improving early diagnosis and access to care, and building momentum for a dedicated European Lung Health Plan.

The meeting took place at an important moment for lung health policy. Chronic respiratory diseases affect tens of millions of people across Europe and remain one of the leading causes of death and disability. Many of these conditions are preventable, yet patients continue to face delayed diagnosis, unequal access to treatment, and insufficient prevention measures. Participants agreed that lung health must be recognised as a major public health priority and addressed through coordinated European action.

Hall Skaara represented PHA Europe

Hall Skaara represented PHA Europe and the European Lung Health Group at the Forum, bringing the perspective of people living with pulmonary hypertension. In his intervention, he emphasised the critical importance of early and accurate diagnosis, noting that many patients wait years before receiving the correct diagnosis. He highlighted pulmonary hypertension as a clear example, where delays in diagnosis allow the disease to progress and reduce treatment opportunities. Speaking from personal experience, he stressed that delayed diagnosis can have life-changing consequences for patients. He also underlined the need for equitable and timely access to effective treatments across Europe, as differences between countries mean that some patients are unable to benefit from life-saving therapies. He concluded that early diagnosis and equal access to care are essential to improving patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare systems.

Throughout the Forum, EU officials and stakeholders highlighted the growing recognition of lung health within European policy, including links to environmental legislation, pharmaceutical policy, and EU research and innovation programmes. Representatives from the European Commission and EU agencies emphasised the importance of prevention, environmental protection, and innovation, while Members of the European Parliament expressed support for stronger EU action on lung health.

Participants emphasised the central role of prevention in reducing the burden of respiratory disease. Stronger action is needed to address key risk factors such as tobacco and nicotine use, air pollution, and environmental exposures. Prevention efforts must begin early in life and include health promotion, early detection, and improved access to diagnostic tools. Strengthening primary care was also identified as essential to enable earlier diagnosis and better long-term management.

The Forum highlighted important progress made through European initiatives such as the EU4Health Joint Action for Respiratory Diseases (JARED), environmental legislation, and research and innovation programmes. However, participants agreed that current efforts remain fragmented and that a more coordinated and strategic approach is needed.

There was strong support for the development of a dedicated European Lung Health Plan. Such a plan would help coordinate prevention, improve early diagnosis and access to treatment, strengthen research and innovation, and ensure that lung health is addressed across relevant policy areas. Members of the European Parliament and EU officials acknowledged that coordinated European action, similar to existing EU plans for cancer and cardiovascular disease, could significantly improve outcomes for patients.

The Forum demonstrated a clear commitment among EU institutions, patient organisations, and health stakeholders to work together to improve lung health across Europe. The European Lung Health Group and its partners, including PHA Europe, will continue engaging with EU policymakers to advance prevention, improve access to care, and advocate for a comprehensive European Lung Health Plan.