AOECS position on EU Youth Strategy post 2027
Version 1 / 2026
Summary
Young people living with coeliac disease continue to face barriers that affect their health, education, employment, mobility and social participation. As the European Union prepares the next EU Youth Strategy, AOECS calls for a more inclusive approach that recognises health as a prerequisite for participation.
Our position paper outlines how the future Strategy can better support young people with chronic health conditions by promoting equal opportunities, improving well-being and ensuring that their voices are reflected in policymaking.
AOECS calls for
Health and well-being as a strategic priority
The next EU Youth Strategy should place health and well-being at its core. Young people with coeliac disease need timely diagnosis, appropriate healthcare, safe gluten-free food and access to mental health support in order to participate fully in education, employment and society.
A more inclusive and equitable Europe
Young people with chronic conditions should have equal opportunities to participate in education, mobility programmes such as Erasmus+, volunteering and employment. The Strategy should also strengthen awareness of coeliac disease and other invisible disabilities while promoting inclusive environments.
Stronger integration of youth perspectives
Health, education, employment and research policies should systematically include the perspectives of young people living with chronic health conditions. This will help ensure that future policies better reflect their needs, aspirations and everyday experiences.
Looking ahead
AOECS believes that young people should be recognised not only as beneficiaries of policy but also as active contributors to Europe's future. Through its youth network, Coeliac Youth of Europe, AOECS remains committed to ensuring that young people with coeliac disease are represented in decisions that affect their lives.
Download the full position paper for detailed reading.