Rare Diseases Forum 2024: Securing Europe's competitiveness in R&D for people living with rare diseases

Against the backdrop of the Belgian EU Council Presidency, the Rare Diseases Forum 2024 brought together senior leaders from across patient organisations, industry and policy to address how and why innovation in tackling rare diseases can support the EU’s competitiveness agenda.

The event featured keynotes and panel discussions with a focus on the EU's role in enhancing competitiveness in life sciences, fostering investment in the rare diseases sector, and examining the benefits of a competitive agenda for those with rare diseases. 

The event was convened by Global Counsel on behalf of the forum partners:

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This event is accompanied by a report, "Staying ahead: the case for a European Action Plan for Rare Diseases", authored by Global Counsel, with the support of the Rare Disease Forum partners.

The in-person event was opened with a video address from Frank Vandenbroucke, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health, Government of Belgium, who made the call for policymakers across Europe to build on the progress made at the national level and develop a stronger European focus on support for people living with rare diseases.