The Societal Impact of Pain (SIP) Stakeholder Forum met on 15 October 2025 to discuss recent developments in European health policy and their implications for pain advocacy.
The Forum opened with reflections on the evolving EU policy landscape and the importance of maintaining collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that pain remains a health priority.
The group reviewed the EU Health Policy Agenda for 2026, noting concerns about shifting budgetary priorities. Participants agreed on the need to strengthen alliances across sectors and demonstrate the economic and societal value of investment in health and pain care.
Another central theme was gender equality in healthcare. Stakeholders emphasised that women and marginalised groups continue to face barriers to adequate pain management, underlining the importance of integrating equality into future advocacy.
The Forum reaffirmed SIP’s 2026 priorities, including employment and economic considerations, preventive healthcare, stronger national advocacy, and the addition of gender equality in health as a new cross-cutting objective.
📄 The full Report of the meeting is available here.