EUREGHA took part in the launch of the new phase of ECHoS – Establishing of Cancer Mission Hubs: Beyond Networks and Synergies – in Lisbon, where partners came together to strengthen the connection between the EU Mission on Cancer, national structures, regions and local communities. 

Building on the foundations established during the first phase of ECHoS, the project will continue developing and connecting National Cancer Mission Hubs (NCMHs) across Europe, with the ambition of bringing the Cancer Mission closer to the actors responsible for translating its objectives into action. 

For EUREGHA, this new phase represents an important opportunity to strengthen the role of regional and local health authorities in the Mission and ensure that regional realities, capacities and needs are reflected in its implementation. 

A new phase for the Cancer Mission community 

The official kick-off brought together the ECHoS consortium and the wider Cancer Mission community to reflect on progress achieved so far and set the direction for the years ahead. 

Opening contributions from representatives of the European Commission and the EU Mission on Cancer reaffirmed the continued commitment to strengthening the Mission and supporting an ecosystem able to connect research, policy and implementation across Europe. 

The new phase of ECHoS will build on an already established network of national hubs and stakeholders, while placing greater attention on how these structures can create impact beyond the national level. 

One key question therefore ran through the discussions: how can National Cancer Mission Hubs connect more effectively with regions, local ecosystems and communities? 

Bridging regional gaps and accelerating local impact 

This question was at the centre of the session “National Cancer Mission Hubs: Bridging Regional Gaps, Accelerating Local Impact”, co-moderated by Michele Calabrò, Director of EUREGHA, and Kyle Galea from ERRIN. 

The discussion brought together perspectives from regional government, the European Committee of the Regions, National Cancer Mission Hubs, patient organisations and regional cancer organisations. 

Several common messages emerged. Regional authorities can help align European and national priorities with different territorial realities, while supporting the transfer of knowledge, innovation and successful approaches between regions. 

At the same time, effective involvement cannot begin only at the implementation stage. Co-creation, early engagement and a shared sense of ownership were highlighted as important conditions for making initiatives relevant and sustainable. 

The role of communities was equally central. Meaningful involvement of patients, citizens and local organisations can help identify challenges that might otherwise remain less visible and contribute to shaping solutions that respond to real needs and experiences. 

The discussion also highlighted the situation of outermost and geographically remote regions, where resource gaps, capacity constraints and distance can make participation in European initiatives more difficult. Stronger links through NCMHs can help these territories access knowledge and partnerships while ensuring that their experiences are represented in the wider European cancer community. 

EUREGHA’s role in the next phase  

Within the new phase of ECHoS, EUREGHA will help strengthen the connection between National Cancer Mission Hubs and regional and local health authorities.  

A particular focus will be on ensuring that regional perspectives are considered when project results and approaches are translated into practice. Differences in governance, health-system organisation, population needs and available resources mean that successful models often need to be adapted to local contexts rather than simply replicated. 

This is where EUREGHA can bring added value: connecting regional practice with European policy discussions and helping create stronger links between the Cancer Mission and the health systems responsible for implementation on the ground. 

Looking ahead 

The Lisbon kick-off marked the beginning of a new stage for ECHoS, building on strong foundations and an established European community working towards the objectives of the EU Mission on Cancer. 

Over the coming years, EUREGHA will work alongside project partners to strengthen connections between European, national, regional and local levels, support knowledge exchange and help ensure that Cancer Mission activities reach regions and communities across Europe. 

Learn more about ECHoS and the Cancer Mission Hubs through the project website.