ELPA AGM, new Member, and Training

Alongside the EASL Congress 2026 in Barcelona from 27–30 May 2026, ELPA successfully held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and a series of dedicated training sessions, bringing together patient advocates and member organisations from across Europe to strengthen collaboration, build capacity, and advance the patient voice in hepatology.

The AGM provided an important opportunity for ELPA members to review ongoing activities, discuss strategic priorities, and reinforce joint efforts to improve the lives of people living with liver diseases. Delegates exchanged experiences, shared best practices, and explored new opportunities for collaboration across Europe. The meeting also welcomed a new member organization, the Alpha1 MZ Foundation from the Netherlands, further strengthening ELPA’s growing network and representation of liver patients across the continent.

A key component of the Barcelona programme was a series of educational training sessions designed to empower patient representatives with the latest scientific knowledge and advocacy tools. Participants attended an in-depth training on the evolving role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in hepatology, exploring their impact on obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and the future of integrated liver care. In addition, a dedicated session focused on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1), highlighting the challenges faced by people living with this rare genetic liver disease.  The programme also featured an interactive workshop dedicated to the ICONIC Project, where participants contributed to the validation of patient skills and competencies developed through the project.