Hosted by MEP Jeannette Baljeu, the discussion opened with a clear message:
“We want health to be European, and it will only be better if we use European mechanisms to make it stronger.”
Presentations & Panel Discussion
Experts highlighted both the potential of nuclear medicine and the shared responsibility to shape its future. Prof Dr Wim Oyen (EANM) emphasised that investing wisely in nuclear medicine can generate savings by avoiding ineffective procedures, while patient representative Dirk Wyndaele (Patient Representative) underlined the crucial role of advocacy in helping patients access timely and appropriate care. Looking ahead, Peter Luijten (NRG Pallas) described the transformative impact nuclear medicine will have on how medicine is practiced in the coming decades, and Domenico Rossetti di Valdalbero (European Commission) stressed that collective action can make an important contribution to saving patient lives.
A lively debate followed, with panellists and audience members addressing barriers to innovation, trust in the system, and the role of Europe in supporting health despite it being a member state competence. Discussions highlighted the need for better coordination between academia, industry, and government, as well as more effective support for treatments after the clinical trials in order to bring promising therapies to patients. The importance of reconciling regulatory frameworks and learning from international examples was also raised, alongside concerns about unequal patient access to new treatments across Europe.
Future Key Priorities
Looking ahead, participants pointed to upcoming EU initiatives, including increased research funding and the then forthcoming Biotech Act, while noting that challenges remain in bringing innovation from the lab to the patient. Ensuring sustainable funding, fostering collaboration, and attracting new talent to the field were identified as key priorities. The momentum for nuclear medicine in Europe is clear—the task now is to translate this momentum into action that strengthens healthcare systems and delivers real benefits for patients.
