FEDERG at the European Parliament event “Safe Hearts, Safe Kidneys: Elevating Kidney Health on the EU Agenda”
A High-Level World Kidney Day Event at the European Parliament
“Safe Hearts, Safe Kidneys: Elevating Kidney Health on the EU Agenda”
A High-Level World Kidney Day Event at the European Parliament
On 3 March 2026, the European Kidney Health Alliance (EKHA) will host a major World Kidney Day event titled “Safe Hearts, Safe Kidneys: Elevating Kidney Health on the EU Agenda” at the European Parliament in Brussels. The session will take place from 16:00 to 18:00 CET and aims to bring kidney health to the forefront of European Union political priorities.
The event will highlight the critical link between cardiovascular and kidney health, often referred to as cardio-renal-metabolic health, and advocate for integrated prevention, early detection, and patient-centred care strategies across the EU. It will also explore how kidney health can be more fully embedded within the broader EU Safe Hearts Plan and will set the groundwork for a potential European Parliament Resolution on Kidney Health.
High-level speakers will include Members of the European Parliament, health policymakers, clinicians, and representatives of patient organisations. Discussions are expected to centre on policy solutions that foster broad-based health improvements, improve disease outcomes, and reduce the burden of chronic kidney disease across Europe.
Federg’s Role: A Strong Patient Voice at the Heart of the Debate
FEDERG – Federation of European Patient Groups Affected by Rare and Genetic Kidney Diseases, a non-profit federation representing European patient associations for rare and genetic kidney diseases, will be attending and actively participating in this high-impact event. Federg advocates for patients living with rare kidney conditions, working to improve quality of life, enhance access to care, and strengthen patient voices in health policy debates.
Through its representation at European forums, Federg seeks to ensure that policies recognize the unique challenges faced by people with rare or genetic kidney disorders — from diagnosis and treatment access to research inclusion and equitable care across nations. It also collaborates with key European networks and organisations involved in kidney and rare disease advocacy.
The participation of Federg in the EKHA event underscores the importance of incorporating patient perspectives into EU policy discussions about chronic kidney disease, especially for communities affected by conditions that are less visible but have significant health and social impacts.
Why This Matters for World Kidney Day 2026
This event is part of the wider celebrations and advocacy around World Kidney Day 2026, the global awareness campaign that emphasises the importance of kidney health and encourages action to reduce the burden of kidney diseases worldwide. Each year, activities and discussions coincide with this day to promote prevention and early diagnosis, educate health professionals, patients, policymakers, and the public, and foster international cooperation in kidney care.
By bringing together political decision-makers, clinical experts, and patient organisations like Federg, the “Safe Hearts, Safe Kidneys” event aims to elevate kidney health on the EU health agenda, reinforce the value of integrated care models, and stimulate stronger policy commitments at the continental level.
