Cross-Border Access to Care, Research, and Training: Reducing Inequalities for Children with Cancer
Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CET
Networking Reception, 6:00 PM CET
European Parliament, Brussels (Altiero Spinelli 3 E-2)
Organized and hosted by: MEP András Kulja (EPP, Hungary)
With the participation of the European Society for Pediatric Oncology (SIOP Europe) and Childhood Cancer International – Europe (CCI Europe)
Check out the draft programme
MEP András Kulja (EPP, Hungary) will host and organize a policy event in anticipation of International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) with the participation of SIOP Europe and CCI Europe .
The ICCD is commemorated on 15 February each year. The date of the ICCD event at the European Parliament coincides with World Cancer Day (4 February), emphasizing the place of childhood cancer at the heart of cancer policies.
The meeting will put the spotlight on the current challenges in cross-border care and research in pediatric oncology, with a focus on advancing multi-stakeholder collaboration to address systemic inequalities.
Join this important discussion on Tuesday, 4 February, from 16:00 to 18:00 CET, at the European Parliament in Brussels . The event will be followed by an exclusive networking reception.
Click here to register!
The event will feature two engaging panel discussions:
Cross-Border Access to Care and Training:
Explore the barriers children face in accessing specialized oncology care under the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive and discuss practical solutions to bridge these gaps. Learn about the role of EU training initiatives and twinning programs in empowering healthcare professionals and building capacity across Member States.
Cross-Border Access to Research:
Understand the regulatory and logistical obstacles to European clinical trials and innovative treatments, including CAR T-cell therapy. The discussion will highlight how harmonized frameworks can strengthen collaboration, reduce disparities, and advance innovation in pediatric oncology research.
Why attend?
This is a unique opportunity to engage and network with EU policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and patient advocates and contribute to meaningful dialogue on how EU's initiatives, such as the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive and Beating Cancer Plan, can ensure equitable access to care and research for children with cancer.
Background
Despite all the advancements in the field, disparities in access to care and research still exist across Europe, unjustly affecting young patients' survival and quality of life. Innovative therapies, such as CAR T-cell therapy, remain out of reach for many due to logistical and financial barriers.
This event will explore how EU policymakers and healthcare professionals can work together to overcome these challenges and build a future where all children with cancer can access the care and research they need, regardless of where they live.
For queries or further information, please send an email to: andras.kulja@europarl.europa.eu , danai.spentzou@europarl.europa.eu , sonja.ladenstein@siope.eu , and rachele.vedovelli@siope.eu .