At this year’s European Health Forum Gastein (EHFG), the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), together with the European Brain Council (EBC) and the Brain Health Mission Partnership, co-organised the special session Brains, Bytes, and Budgets. The discussion explored how Europe can secure a healthier future by prioritising brain health through policy, investment, and emerging technologies.
Setting the Stage
Opening the session, Prof. Elena Moro, EAN President, reminded participants that neurological disorders are the second leading cause of mortality and the top cause of disease burden in Europe. She stressed that brain health must become a strategic priority across all sectors.
A Call for a Holistic Ecosystem
One of the most compelling interventions came from Vytenis Andriukaitis, former EU Commissioner for Health and current MEP, who warned that brain health is still not adequately prioritised at the EU level. He called for the creation of a pan-European ecosystem for research, investment, and innovation, proposing that brain health should be treated as a “fifth freedom of the European Union”. His vision included a dedicated funding through the next Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF).
This call aligns strongly with the EAN’s advocacy for a holistic approach to brain health, integrating prevention, care, research, and technology under one coordinated strategy.
Key Perspectives
- Elizabeth Kuiper (European Policy Center) introduced the concept of the “brain economy”, emphasising that brain health drives societal resilience and growth. She announced a new EPC paper suggesting that solutions from the EU Life Science Strategy—such as multi-country clinical trials—should be piloted in brain health.
- Arabella Akalini (European Federation of Neurological Associations) brought the patient voice to the forefront, calling for transparency, inclusion, and accountability in all brain health initiatives.
- In a fireside chat, Virginia Mahieu (Centre for Future Generations) highlighted the rapid rise of neurotechnology, noting both its transformative potential and ethical risks. She urged the EU to adopt a neurotech strategy built on responsible innovation, regulatory cohesion, and public engagement.
Looking Ahead
The session concluded with a scenario-building exercise and a shared commitment for all participants to become ambassadors of brain health in their respective fields.
Watch the recording
The whole special session was recorded and is available to watch via the European Health Forum Gastein YouTube channel.
