On September 25-26, 2025, the fourth edition of the CEE Patient Engagement Annual Forum was held in Bucharest, bringing together leading patient organizations, experts in health policies, industry and institutions from Central and Eastern Europe. For the second year in a row, the Stroke and Aphasia Association (AIA) took an active part, strengthening its position as a reliable partner and representative of the Bulgarian patient community in an international context.
Regional and European partnerships
The forum focused on the role of patient organizations as a catalyst for sustainable solutions – from tackling shortages of medicines (Critical Medicines Act), through the inclusion of the patient voice in the assessment of health technologies (HTA), to models for public-private partnerships in the field of innovation. It was here that the AIA found a field for building new alliances – with organizations from Central and Eastern Europe, with international networks of expertise, as well as with industry partners looking for a trusted contact with the patient perspective.
At European level...
The discussions in the forum clearly outlined that European healthcare is at a crossroads. Against the backdrop of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, health often takes a back seat, but this is where the strong messages of patient organizations come in: investing in health is an investment in security, sustainability and prosperity.
The main topics of European policy presented at the forum included:
The Health Technology Assessment Regulation (HTA) – in force from 2025, which introduces joint evaluations of the effectiveness of medical technologies at EU level. It allows for more equal access and patient involvement in the assessment process.
The EU's Life and Biotechnology Strategy – aims to make Europe a world leader in life sciences by 2030 and create an enabling environment for innovation.
Negotiations on the new Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034) – key to the future of health and research funding.
The Critical Medicines Act – a legislative instrument to ensure security of supply and address shortages in the EU.
FOCUS: Health Technology Assessment in Estonia
Particular attention was also drawn to the presentation of the Estonian HTA Guide (2024), a document that proposes a systematic, transparent and balanced methodology for assessing health technologies, including with the active participation of patient representatives. This approach can be a valuable reference point for Bulgaria and other countries in the region, where HTA processes still need to be strengthened and institutionalized.
AIA's participation in CEE Forum 2025 demonstrates that the Bulgarian patient community has a place and a voice in European processes. The forum opened new doors for partnerships, gave access to innovative practices and outlined horizons for active involvement in policy-making at European level.
In a context of growing challenges for health systems in Europe, the engagement of patient organisations such as the AIA is becoming increasingly key. The next step is to build on regional cooperation and active participation in European consultations and programs so that the voice of patients can be a real driver of change.