Abigail Zalba, General Coordinator of Coeliac Youth of Europe, will represent young people with coeliac disease at the first-ever EPF Youth Congress 2026 in Brussels, advocating for their rights and a stronger voice in European health policy. AOECS welcomes this opportunity for its youth network to engage in European patient advocacy.
As the EU revises its Youth Strategy, how can we ensure that no person is left behind? Young people with coeliac disease and other chronic health conditions face barriers that affect their education, mobility and social participation. That's why AOECS is calling for health, inclusion and equal opportunities to be at the heart of the next EU Youth Strategy. Read our position paper to learn more.
AOECS Chair Floris van Overveld reports from CCFL49 in Ottawa, where new guidelines for Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL) were adopted. After years of advocacy, cereals containing gluten are now included in the framework, while gluten-free claims and PAL remain clearly separated. It marks an important step towards clearer labelling and safer food choices for coeliac patients worldwide.
AOECS convened the first-ever discussion at the European Parliament on gluten-free safety in the catering sector. Policymakers, industry representatives and patient organisations came together to address food accessibility, awareness and safer dining for people with coeliac disease across Europe. A clear message emerged: gluten-free food is not a lifestyle choice, it is a medical necessity.
The European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions (PETI) has voted to keep Petition No. 1468/2024 on coeliac disease open, calling for continued EU action and greater harmonisation across Member States. AOECS Secretary General Veronica Rubio addressed the Committee on behalf of coeliac patients across Europe, highlighting inequalities in diagnosis, healthcare support and access to gluten-free food.
In response to a petition submitted by the Catalan Coeliac Society, the European Commission emphasises that while EU rules on gluten and allergen information are in place, their practical impact depends on effective implementation and enforcement at national level. This serves as a clear reminder that we must continue to put pressure on national legislators to ensure these rules are applied.
Big moment for coeliac rights in the EU 🇪🇺🌾 Just two days ago, a petition by the Coeliacs of Catalunya and supported by AOECS, was accepted by the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee!
🎉 Interesting news for the #Coeliac community A petition by Esther Roger from the Catalunyan Coeliac Society has been officially accepted by the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee. It calls for a European Framework Directive on coeliac disease — including better diagnosis, training, support and access to gluten-free food. AOECS welcomes this initiative for coeliac rights across Europe. 💪
