Briefing on EU Life-Sciences Strategy, prevention and health tourism
Hourly Schedule
Programme
- 8:00am - 8:30am
- Breakfast & Registration
- 8:30am - 8:45am
- Welcome & Opening Remarks
-
Speakers:
- 8:45am - 9:15am
- High-Level Briefing & Discussion — The Future of Health and Longevity in Europe
-
Speakers:
Member, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) President, ACP–EU Follow‑up Committee Rapporteur of the EU Life Sciences Strategy
Head of the Tourism Unit at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE)
- 9:15am - 10:00am
- Dialogue — European Best Practices in Health & Spa Tourism
- France – represented by Thierry Dubois, President of La Médecine Thermale and C.N.E.Th, highlighting France’s excellence in evidence‑based thermal medicine and the strong economic impact of its spa sector. Italy – represented by Marina Lalli, Vice‑President of Federterme, demonstrating Italy’s integrated model of spa medicine, prevention, rehabilitation and regional development. Romania – represented by Vice‑President Iuliana Tașie, showcasing Romania’s innovation in medical spa services, with recognised strengths in cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and emerging climate‑health destinations. Hungary – represented by Secretary General Csilla Mezősi, known for its long tradition of therapeutic spa treatments, extensive facilities with certified healing waters. The Netherlands – represented by Marlies Sobczak, Chair of the ESPA Working Group on Thalasso Therapies, illustrating Europe’s leadership in marine‑based therapies, coastal health resorts and innovative thalasso concepts. Together, these leaders demonstrate the diversity, excellence and innovation of European health and spa tourism — from cardiovascular and musculoskeletal rehabilitation to mental health support, active ageing, climate‑based therapies and year‑round sustainable regional development.
The role of spa medicine and natural remedies
The European Spas Association (ESPA) invites policymakers, health experts, researchers, tourism stakeholders and industry leaders to the future of health and longevity in Europe, a high-level briefing in Brussels exploring the role of medical spas, prevention and health tourism in supporting healthier and longer lives across Europe.
Against the backdrop of Europe’s emerging Life Science Strategy and new approaches to prevention, active ageing and lifestyle medicine, the briefing will examine how medical spas can contribute to Europe’s evolving health agenda. Particular attention will be given to natural therapeutic resources, climate-based treatments and integrative, personalised approaches, as well as the growing scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.
The event will also explore the expanding role of health and wellness tourism in Europe. Medical spas and spa destinations bring together healthcare, prevention and wellbeing with tourism, contributing not only to healthier lifestyles but also to the attractiveness and economic development of destinations, particularly in rural and regional areas.
Innovations and new programmes in cancer aftercare, mental health, cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation will be on the agenda, alongside the potential of health tourism to strengthen Europe’s position as a leading destination for prevention, wellbeing and evidence-based natural therapies.
At the heart of the briefing is a shared ambition: to promote healthier and longer lives through nature and science, while supporting sustainable tourism and strengthening Europe’s rural regions.
- 30 September 2026
- 8:00 am - 10:00 am
- Rue Froissart 95, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Organizer
-
ESPA