Key priorities for systemic change in coeliac care

Brussels, October 2025 — The 37th AOECS Annual Conference concluded on 17–18 October in Brussels with a clear message: systemic change in coeliac care is urgently needed, and coordinated action across healthcare, policy, and society must follow.

The conference, themed “Boosting Innovation in Healthcare Solutions for Coeliac Patients,” gathered over 100 international delegates to exchange best practices and shape a common European strategy.

Identified key priorities

During the conference, delegates identified five key priorities to drive progress:

• Move from case finding to mass screening, especially among children
• Improve transitional care through tools such as a Coeliac Passport
• Increase professional education in healthcare, tourism and the food sector
• Strengthen cross-border collaboration between national coeliac societies
• Advocate for policy reform to ensure equitable access to diagnosis and care

“These priorities reflect a growing consensus that innovation alone is not enough – we need systemic commitment,” said Veronica Rubio, Secretary General of AOECS. “AOECS remains dedicated to shaping a future where timely diagnosis and high-quality care are a reality for all coeliac patients across Europe.”

Expert insights shaped the discussion

The conference programme featured leading experts in coeliac disease and public health:

• Professor Carlo Catassi (Università Politecnica delle Marche) opened the conference by calling for mass screening, highlighting Italy’s new legislation mandating screening for coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes in children — a breakthrough model for Europe.
• Professor M. L. Mearin presented new research showing that most coeliac cases develop before puberty, reinforcing the need for early detection in at-risk families.
• Ronia Schiftan, MSc Psychologist, addressed gaps in transitional care and proposed a “Coeliac Passport” to improve continuity from paediatric to adult care.
• A panel with Coeliac Youth Europe, ENAT and industry partners, including Schnitzer, focused on the challenges of travelling with coeliac disease and the economic opportunities in inclusive tourism.
• Deanna L. Kelly, researcher and author, presented evidence on the impact of gluten on mental health, underlining the wider implications of untreated coeliac disease.

This year’s event also featured, for the first time, a gluten-free marketplace with ten international and local producers showcasing innovative products for coeliac consumers.

Acknowledgements

AOECS warmly thanks all delegates, speakers, volunteers and partners who contributed to the success of this year’s conference.

Sponsors

Platinum – Takeda
Gold – Schnitzer
Silver – Dr Schär
Bronze – AnaptysBio | Celiac Disease Foundation | Dr Falk

For sponsorship or participation in next year’s conference, please contact us.