In 2026, Parkinson’s Europe will continue its mission to improve life for people with Parkinson’s, as set out in its 2025-2028 strategy.
Almost 12 months after the strategy was launched, we speak to Strategic Director Amelia Hursey about three major activities that will take the organisation’s work forwards in the coming year.
From the World Parkinson’s Congress in May, to a new online hub for our Engagement Network, which empowers people to take positive action for Parkinson’s, we’re set for an incredible 2026!
Parkinson’s Europe’s Strategic Director Amelia Hursey: three 2026 highlights for the Parkinson’s community
- World Parkinson’s Congress 2026
“The World Parkinson’s Congress (24–27 May, Arizona, USA) is immensely important for gathering the global Parkinson’s community together and sharing knowledge. It also increases visibility for the Parkinson’s community.
“Led by those with the condition, it’s vital for making connections and developing more understanding about what’s happening for people with Parkinson’s across the world.
“I hope that it will empower people to thrive with their condition as well as inform them about new innovations designed to support living life to the fullest.”
- New online hub for the Parkinson’s Europe Engagement Network
“The Engagement Network is our online call to action network. Anyone who wants to improve life for people with Parkinson’s can sign up and tell us what they are interested in. We will then send them a list of opportunities they can get involved with.
“So far, we have shared this information via email, but now we want to create a secure online space where people can find opportunities they might not have known they were looking for. For instance, they could help shape a research trial, share knowledge with someone else about their Parkinson’s journey or provide new data and insights.
“We hope this will really bring together and amplify the voices of everyone affected by Parkinson’s across Europe.”
- Our empowerment event
“Toward the end of 2026 or at the beginning of 2027, we will bring together representatives from all of our member organisations and our steering groups for an event in Leuven, Belgium. This will be the first in-person members event we have hosted since 2018.
“It’s an excellent opportunity to make those vital cross-border connections that connect the Parkinson’s population across Europe. We will run workshops to help empower our fantastic members and enrich the activities that they do.
“We also plan to work with Health House [a Deep Brain Stimulation educational facility in Leuven] to share their amazing Smart DBS exhibition with all of our attendees. We’d like to combine this with a trip to the European Parliament.
“This would be a chance to introduce MEPs to our amazing Parkinson’s community and to increase the visibility of our call to action for more neurodegenerative nurses in Europe.”
