As part of his ongoing commitment to diabetes advocacy, MEP Peter Agius yesterday hosted a high-level policy dialogue in Brussels, bringing together a group of young people with European Commissioners Olivér Várhelyi (Health) and Glenn Micallef (Youth). The event focused on identifying the key challenges faced by young people living with diabetes and discussing solutions to improve care, access, and prevention across the European Union.
The gathering united young individuals — some living with Type 1 Diabetes and others involved in awareness and prevention efforts — to share their experiences and present policy recommendations directly to EU decision-makers. The primary aim was to build a healthier, more inclusive Europe by placing young people at the centre of diabetes policy and prevention strategies.
“You are not simply patients,” said MEP Agius in his address. “You are leaders, activists, and agents of change. Your stories bring urgency to policy, and your energy inspires hope.”
Agius thanked the EU Commissioners for keeping diabetes high on the EU agenda and praised the courage and insight of the participating youth. He stressed the importance of improving mental health support, tackling stigma, and ensuring equal access to essential technologies such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.
Commissioner Glenn Micallef highlighted the Commission’s work to promote healthier lifestyles through sport and youth engagement. Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi outlined the EU’s ambition to move towards a more personalised model of care, especially in areas such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, supported by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).
Several young participants shared powerful personal testimonies. Martin from Austria spoke about producing educational videos to raise awareness among his peers about life with diabetes. Martina, a Maltese participant, highlighted the difficulty many face in accessing the latest diabetes management technology in Malta. She urged the European Commission to take meaningful action to ensure equitable access across all member states.
The event concluded with a shared commitment from all parties to continue the dialogue, translate proposals into practical investment, and ensure that youth-led initiatives remain central to the EU’s health priorities.
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