MEP Peter Agius, EU Commissioners meet Youths with Diabetes

As part of his ongoing commitment to diabetes advocacy, MEP Peter Agius yesterday hosted a high-level policy dialogue in Brussels, uniting a group of young people with European Commissioners Olivér Várhelyi (Health) and Glenn Micallef (Youth). The event focused on identifying the key challenges faced by youth living with diabetes and discussing solutions to improve care, access, and prevention across the European Union.

The gathering brought together young people—some living with Type 1 Diabetes and others engaged in awareness and prevention efforts—to share their lived experiences and offer policy recommendations directly to EU decision-makers. The primary goal: to foster a healthier, more inclusive Europe by placing young people at the center of diabetes policy and prevention strategies.

“You are not simply patients,” said MEP Agius during his remarks. “You are leaders, activists, and agents of change. Your stories bring urgency to policy, and your energy inspires hope.”

Agius thanked the EU Commissioners for prioritizing diabetes on the EU agenda and praised the courage and insight shown by the participating youth. He emphasized the need for stronger mental health support, ending stigma, and ensuring equal access to life-saving technologies such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors.

Commissioner Glenn Micallef highlighted the Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote healthier lifestyles through sport and youth engagement. Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi outlined the EU’s vision to move toward a more personalized model of care, particularly for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, supported by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

Several youth participants shared powerful personal testimonies. Martin from Austria spoke about creating educational videos to raise awareness among his peers about life with diabetes. Martina, a Maltese participant, underscored the difficulty many face in accessing the latest diabetes management technology in Malta. She called on the European Commission to take concrete action to ensure equitable access across member states.

The event concluded with a shared commitment from all parties to continue this dialogue, translate solutions into actionable investments, and ensure that youth-led initiatives remain at the forefront of the EU’s health priorities.