From early detection to cure, IDF Europe is committed to transforming life with diabetes through innovation, while leaving no one behind. As Europe enters a pivotal policy moment, with major EU and WHO initiatives reshaping approaches to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), IDF Europe is actively mobilising to ensure these reforms deliver tangible improvements for people living with diabetes (PwD).
Diabetes is closely linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity and other NCDs, yet prevention, care and innovation remain fragmented across Europe. This disconnect undermines both health outcomes and quality of life for PwD. IDF Europe is therefore calling for a decisive shift away from siloed approaches to prevention and care, towards integrated, person-centred health systems that reflect scientific evidence and lived experience.
Looking towards 2026, a convergence of policy opportunities – including the EU Safe Hearts Plan, the forthcoming EU Biotech Act, reforms to the Medical Devices Regulation and WHO Europe’s Programme of Work 2026–2030 – creates a strategic opportunity for IDF Europe to drive system-wide change. By advocating for alignment across these initiatives, IDF Europe is working to accelerate prevention, innovation and equitable access to high-quality care for PwD across Europe.
IDF Europe is actively advancing the case for stronger integration between diabetes and cardiovascular care, recognising that fragmented approaches no longer deliver for people living with multiple chronic conditions. Only truly integrated, person-centred care, coordinated across specialties and levels of care, can improve outcomes and provide meaningful, continuous support for people living with diabetes and other NCDs. In this context, the European Commission’s recently released Safe Hearts Plan, which addresses key elements of CVD prevention, detection and management across the EU, offers a concrete opportunity to embed diabetes prevention and care within national cardiovascular and broader NCD strategies. The Plan’s recognition of the interconnectedness between diabetes, CVD and other NCDs marks an important step towards overcoming fragmented care pathways and siloed policy responses.
IDF Europe strongly welcomes this recognition and is working to ensure it translates into concrete national action together with its network of 73 Member Associations and network of PwD. Acknowledging the frequent co-occurrence of diabetes, CVD and conditions such as obesity reflects the lived reality of millions of people across Europe and sends a clear signal that NCD prevention and care must be pursued through integrated strategies that prioritise quality of life and long-term outcomes.
Alongside the Safe Hearts Plan, the EU Biotech Act and ongoing reforms to the Medical Devices Regulation represent key advocacy priorities for IDF Europe in accelerating diabetes innovation and improving outcomes for PwD. Through sustained engagement with EU institutions and stakeholders, IDF Europe is calling for simplified clinical trials, stronger research collaboration and proportionate regulation to speed the development and uptake of transformative therapies and technologies, from early detection tools to disease-modifying treatments. At the same time, IDF Europe is advocating for robust EU oversight of medium- and high-risk medical devices, the systematic inclusion of PwD in regulatory processes and the creation of an EU Innovation Pathway to fast-track breakthrough devices, ensuring innovation is safe, effective and responsive to real-world needs.
In addition, WHO Europe’s second Programme of Work 2026–2030 provides a critical framework to support member states in responding to today’s public health challenges. IDF Europe is aligning its advocacy and member support with these priorities to strengthen preparedness, prevention and resilience across health systems.
Maximising health security through preparedness, early detection and rapid response underpin IDF Europe’s efforts to ensure PwD have continuous access to life-saving medicines and care, including during crises. The priority of tackling NCDs and shaping health drivers is central to IDF Europe’s work, recognising that social, economic, environmental and digital determinants significantly influence diabetes risk and outcomes. The focus on living and ageing in good physical and mental health reinforces IDF Europe’s call for integrated, person-centred care across the life course, ensuring continuity, dignity and quality of life for people living with diabetes. Finally, the priority to shape future health systems through innovation and technology closely aligns with IDF Europe’s advocacy for accelerating early detection tools, disease-modifying therapies and digital solutions through smarter regulation, simplified clinical trials and stronger research collaboration.
IDF Europe will collaborate and support its members in advancing these shared WHO priorities in line with national health strategies, while actively strengthening the voice of lived experience in policy design and implementation to ensure reforms deliver meaningful impact for people living with diabetes across Europe.
This year presents a unique opportunity to accelerate progress for PwD. Through sustained advocacy, strategic partnerships and leadership at EU and national levels, IDF Europe will continue to push for integrated, evidence-driven and equitable policies that improve outcomes, care quality and quality of life for all people living with diabetes and those at risk.
