6 October, 2025
On 23 September, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) held a ‘Breathing Better: Scaling up EU prevention policies for respiratory health’ event at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.
Bringing together European Union (EU) policymakers, clinicians, and patient advocates, the event, hosted by MEP Romana Jerković, underlined why prevention must be a central pillar of future EU health strategies while also exploring what actions the European Parliament can take to address respiratory diseases. On the day, several key outcomes were achieved:
- reinforcing the role of prevention in EU health policy;
- identifying concrete policy levers that can reduce the burden of chronic respiratory diseases through environmental action, early detection, and coordinated care;
- translating the latest scientific and policy developments into actionable recommendations for EU institutions;
- highlighting how prevention strategies can protect lung health and strengthening population resilience across the life course.
MEP Tomislav Sokol also participated to share insights into prevention policies.
Speaking about the event, Prof. Silke Ryan, ERS Past President, said: “I see this event as a vital step forward. Too often, respiratory diseases are addressed only after they emerge – yet we know that with strong prevention policies, cleaner air, and early interventions, we can dramatically reduce the burden on individuals and healthcare systems. This event rightly shifts the focus upstream, where we can make the most impact for Europe’s respiratory health.”
Dr Ulrike Gehring, Chair of the ERS Environment and Health Committee, also added: “Air pollution is the most important environmental risk factor for respiratory health. As Chair of the ERS Environment and Health Committee, I see this event as a crucial opportunity to push for stronger EU policies that prevent disease by ensuring healthier air for all.”
The ERS Environment and Health Committee coordinates the Society’s activities in advocating for environmental health, to promote clean air, and protect human health. Learn more.