Retina International recently participated in an important cross-party meeting held at The National Parliament (Oireachtas), organised by Rare Diseases Ireland. The meeting focused on the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, scheduled from July to December 2026.
This gathering brought together a wide range of stakeholders – all dedicated to advancing innovation in rare diseases across Europe. The discussions highlighted the critical need for improved diagnosis, care, and treatment options for individuals living with rare conditions.
A new National Rare Disease strategy is under development in Ireland, expected to be delivered in early 2025. It aims to provide a renewed focus on rare diseases, building on the work of the National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland 2014 – 2018, to meet the needs of people living with rare diseases, their families and healthcare professionals over the next five years.
As the EU continues to strengthen its commitment to rare disease policies and research, Ireland’s Presidency offers a crucial opportunity to accelerate progress and foster pan-European collaboration. We look forward to further opportunities to connect with advocates, policymakers, and experts working towards the shared goal of highlighting innovation as a means of enhancing the rare disease landscape.
