Member organisations of European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA) met in Brussels for the General Assembly (GA) on April 8th. The main subjects of the GA concerned the annual accounts and the Annual Report for 2025. The annual budget and operational plan for 2026 were also discussed and the strategic plan was approved for 2026-2030.
EFNA has been active in strengthening its role as a unifying voice for the neurology community through the growth of the MEP (Member of European Parliament) Interest Group on Brain Health and Neurological Conditions which is supported by 28 MEPs. Accordingly, EFNA has arranged events at the European Parliament. Advocacy at EU level can most likely bring benefits internnationally.
EFNA has established a Community Advisory Board, which consists of 12 dedicated members representing different types of diagnoses and countries throughout the continent. The board is active in visiting different types of events starting from EAN Congresses to smaller meetings and forums. The representatives are elected for one year at a time. in 2026, two of EFNA’s Community Advisory Board members are dystonia patient advocates: Mikko Juutinen (President of the Finnish Dystonia Association), and Pia Vejle from Denmark, who is also a board member of Dystonia Europe
According to EFNA’s strategy, the Federation will stay active for years to come.
In 2026, EFNA celebrates its 25th anniversary. It was very pleasant to meet participants from all over Europe e.g. UK, Ireland, Romania, Portugal and the Nordics.
Jukka Sillanpää, Dystonia Europe
From left: Dr. Orla Galvin EFNA, Jukka Sillanpää, Vice President Dystonia Europe and Astrid Arnesen, President EFNA
