Achieving the global target of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030 under SDG 3.3 requires urgent political commitment, funding and policy action. And the EU continues to lag behind. This roundtable with MEPs was held at the European Parliament to advocate for a new EU Action Plan on HIV/AIDS. Discussion underscored the need for renewed political dedication and targeted policies to address people’s complex needs and emphasised the importance of adapting policies to the evolving demographics of the HIV population, ensuring no one is left behind.

Key takeaways

• Funding remains a major challenge, with there is a need for increased financial investment in healthcare, including HIV initiatives. MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis and MEP Tomislav Sokol noted that budget allocations are a direct reflection of political priorities, and MEP Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D, Poland) stressed that funding should reflect the importance of human rights in healthcare and inspire changes at the national level.

• Caroline Sabin (HIV Outcomes Co-chair) recognised that collaboration among stakeholders — academia, policymakers, civil society, and healthcare providers — is a cornerstone for HIV progress in Europe, while Mafalda Infante (UNITE Network, Head of Parliamentary Engagement) announced the relaunch of the Informal Working Group on HIV in the European Parliament.

• There is a lack of standardised HIV care practices in Europe, as well as disparities in access to care. While people living with HIV live longer and healthier lives, ageing with HIV presents complex healthcare needs that many clinics across Europe are ill-equipped or, in some cases, reluctant to address.

• MEP Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA, Luxembourg) highlighted that 1/3 of Europeans living with HIV experience discrimination, deterring individuals from seeking necessary care.

• MEP Marc Angel (S&D, Luxembourg) joined other participants in stressing the human rights dimension of HIV care, advocating for stronger alignment with EU values of equality and social justice.

• The collection and protection of data for people living with HIV has the potential to enhance the availability of reliable data, support the monitoring of individuals’ health-related quality of life and improve health interventions.

• Speakers

  • MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis, S&D, Lithuania

  • MEP Tomislav Sokol, EPP, Croatia

  • MEP Krzysztof Śmiszek, S&D, Poland

  • MEP Tilly Metz, Greens/EFA, Luxembourg

  • Mario Cascio, NPS Italia APS and HIV Outcomes

  • Christoph Boesecke, European AIDS Clinical Society

  • Caroline Sabin, University College London and HIV Outcomes

  • Mafalda Infante, UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health

  • Miłosz Parczewski, European AIDS Clinical Society

  • Katrina Sichel, Moderator

• Agenda

  8.00-8.05 | Welcome remarks
  
  Katrina Sichel, Moderator

  8.05-8.15 | Keynote address
  
  MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis, S&D, Lithuania

  8.15-8.30 | Setting the scene: Multi-stakeholder perspectives on the long-term health and wellbeing of people living with HIV
  
  • Mario Cascio, NPS Italia APS and HIV Outcomes
  • Christoph Boesecke, European AIDS Clinical Society
  • Caroline Sabin, University College London and HIV Outcomes
  • Mafalda Infante, UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health

  8.30-9.00 | Panel discussion: A 2030 vision - the EU’s role in ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic

  SDG 3.3 – five years left to achieving goals – how can the EU contribute to achieve this legacy
  
  MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis, S&D, Lithuania

  Quality of life of persons living with HIV
  
  MEP Krysztof Śmiszek, S&D, Poland

  Comorbidities prevention, treatment and management
  
  MEP András Kulja, EPP, Hungary – video intervention

  Combating stigma and discrimination in the EU
  
  MEP Tilly Metz, Greens/EFA, Luxembourg

  Monitoring and measurement of person-reported outcomes (PROMs)
  
  MEP Tomislav Sokol, EPP, Croatia

  9.00-9.25: | Q&A with audience

  9.25-9.30 | Closing remarks
  
  Miłosz Parczewski, European AIDS Clinical Society