Hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee on 13 April 2026, the event “A European Strategy for Neurotechnology” brought together policymakers, researchers, clinicians and civil society to ask: How does Europe turn its existing momentum into a coherent strategy? One that strengthens competitiveness, closes governance gaps and ensures neurotechnology develops in line with European values.
Dr Orla Galvin (Executive Director, European Federation of Neurological Associations(EFNA)) participated in the roundtable discussion: ‘Fostering Public Awareness and Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement Throughout the Neurotech Life Cycle.’ Orla emphasised the importance of patient and clinical communities at every stage of neurotechnology development and governance. EFNA participates in patient and consumer working parties and HTA (i.e., Health Technology Assessment) working groups within the European Medicines Agency, bringing neurological patient communities into regulatory processes. Neurological conditions span the full population – from children to the elderly – and neurotechnology frameworks must be understood as tools for good. Sustained education and awareness-raising across all stakeholders, drawing lessons from other sectors’ experience with AI and digital health, is a foundational step.“When it comes to stakeholder engagement, please do not think that you can dismiss or neglect patient insights: we often see a more strategic approach and an expedition of development when the patient community is included. Neurotechnology is not all about the head – it’s from your head to your toe. The neurotech charter and policy frameworks are assets for good, provided everyone at the table is aware of them and knows how to use them. Education of all stakeholders – even just awareness – will make a massive step, for people living with neurological conditions but for society as a whole.”
Read the full event report via the EBC website here.
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