European rare disease conferences in Prague, Brussels and Cyprus scheduled for 2026
European rare disease and healthcare policy conferences are scheduled for 2026 in Prague, Brussels and Cyprus. The meetings will address orphan products, European Reference Networks, cross-border healthcare, research collaboration and patient access to treatment.
Several European conferences focused on rare diseases and related healthcare policy are scheduled for 2026 in Prague, Brussels and Cyprus. The events will cover orphan products, European Reference Networks for Rare Diseases, cross-border healthcare, research collaboration and patient access to treatment.
EURORDIS – Rare Diseases Europe will host the biennial European Conference on Rare Diseases and Orphan Products (ECRD 2026) on 3 – 4 June 2026 in Prague and online. Described as the largest patient-led, policy-shaping event on rare diseases in Europe, ECRD brings together people living with rare diseases, patient advocates, policymakers, clinicians, researchers, industry representatives, regulators, and Member State officials. The conference is expected to welcome over 500 participants in Prague and more than 300 online.
A high-level conference on patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare and the European Reference Networks will take place on Thursday 26 March 2026, 09:00 - 16:30 (CET), in Brussels and online. Representatives from the 24 European Reference Networks, National Contact Points on cross-border healthcare, and European experts are set to discuss patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, cross-border healthcare in border regions, and European Reference Networks for Rare Diseases. The event follows twelve national workshops on the implementation and the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, which took place in various countries during 2024-2025.
The European Conference on Advancement of Treatments for Rare Diseases will take place on March 5 and 6, 2026, at the Institute of Neurology and Genetics in Cyprus. The event is being hosted by the Institute of Neurology and Genetics Cyprus and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, under the framework of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, 2026. More than 35 distinguished speakers and around 250 participants from multiple countries are expected to attend, representing the healthcare sector, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and patient organisations.
Organisers said the aim is to strengthen collaboration and innovation in the field of rare diseases and to promote research and improve patient access to modern treatments. The conference is part of the events of the EU Council Presidency by Cyprus and is funded through the Horizon Europe programme. Due to limited capacity, organisers encourage early registration, with the deadline set for February 25, 2026.