AOECS Secretary General outside the Altiero Spinelli Building of the European Parliament in Brussels

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European Parliament Keeps Coeliac Disease Petition Open

Brussels, 10 May 2026 -

Last week, the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions (PETI) discussed and voted on Petition No. 1468/2024, submitted by Esther Roger Alcoba on behalf of Associació Celíacs Catalunya. The petition calls for stronger and more coordinated EU action to improve the diagnosis, treatment and daily support of people living with coeliac disease across the European Union.

The Committee voted to keep the petition open and reminded the European Commission to continue its efforts towards greater harmonisation among Member States in the treatment and support of coeliac patients.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing inequalities across the EU regarding diagnosis, access to gluten-free food, healthcare support, and the implementation of existing EU food information and allergen rules. This decision keeps the issue firmly on the European agenda and leaves the door open for further progress, which is positive news for people living with coeliac disease across Europe.

Veronica Rubio, Secretary General of Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS), also participated in the discussion to give a voice to coeliac patients across Europe and reinforced the need for equal protection and support throughout the EU.

"Coeliac patients do not change when moving between countries; their security and support should not change either, Veronica Rubio stated"

The petition had previously been declared admissible by European Parliament and has already prompted an official response from the European Commission recognising coeliac disease as a serious chronic condition requiring lifelong dietary management.

Read more on the European Parliament petition page.

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