MHIPAS 2025: United Voices in Brussels for the Future of Migraine
From June 11 to 13, EMHA led a historic summit at the European Parliament to place migraine at the center of the EU’s neurological health agenda.
Brussels | Migraine Headache International Patient Associations Summit 2025
June 11 – EMHA at the European Parliament
Political Recognition of Migraine as a Public Health Priority
The European Migraine & Headache Alliance (EMHA), together with 40 participants from 29 countries, attended the European Parliament to advocate for the recognition of migraine as a serious public health issue. The objective was to ensure that migraine is properly represented in the forthcoming Neurological Health Strategy of the EU Commission.
The roundtable was led by EMHA ally MEP Margarita de la Pisa, alongside EMHA’s Executive Director Ms Elena Ruiz de la Torre. Distinguished guests such as Prof. Peter Goadsby and Dr. Magdalena Wysocka addressed the high burden of migraine and stressed the need for equitable access to treatments across Europe.
The following panel, also coordinated by MEP Margarita de la Pisa and Ms. Elena Ruiz de la Torre, included Dr. Samuel Díaz, Dr. Reto Agosti (also Swiss politician), Ms. Chiara Salvagnin (Italian patient association) and Ms. Rita Paizinho (Portuguese patient association), and gave participants a platform to share their national challenges. MEP Margarita de la Pisa expressed her deep empathy for the patient community, moved by their testimonies.
The event was also covered by PharmaTimes in their article “Migraine takes the spotlight at European Parliament”.
EMHA EU Roadmap for Migraine
As a result of this event, EMHA developed an EMHA EU Roadmap for Migraine: a document summarising the conclusions and providing guidance for the European Parliament until the new Strategic Neurological Workplan is in place. MEP Margarita de la Pisa committed to ensuring migraine is included in the new strategy and that EMHA remains actively involved in its development involving other MEPS.
June 12 – Education and EMHA’s 20th Anniversary
Two Decades Driving Change
The second day of the event featured lectures from top experts including Prof. Peter Goadsby and Prof. Lars Edvinsson. Representatives from international associations discussed their healthcare systems, challenges, and future goals. Contributors included Ms. Wendy Gerhart (Canada), Ms. Sarah Cahill (New Zealand), Ms. Antonia Carcero (Chile), Ms. Agustina Hildt (Argentina), Mr. Stefan Kohlweg (Austria), Ms. Brandi Underwood (USA), Ms. Juliane Mercante (Brazil), Prof. Emel Ur and Prof. Esra Aciman (Turkey).
The day concluded with a celebration of EMHA’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades of advocacy, awareness campaigns, and alliance-building for the migraine community.
June 13 – Socioeconomic Impact and Public Visibility
Beyond Pain: The Hidden Costs of Migraine
The final day featured presentations from Dr. Oleks Gorbenko (Ipsen), Mr. Rob Music (The Migraine Trust), Ms. Trine Pilgaard (Pfizer), and Ms. Arianna Rizzi (FleishmanHillard EU). Topics included the indirect costs of migraine and its socioeconomic consequences.
