National Neurological Societies as Congress Co-hosts

A New Chapter for EAN Congress Hosting

EAN Congress 2029, Vienna, Austria 

The European Academy of Neurology (EAN) has introduced a new approach to organising its annual congresses, creating greater opportunities for involvement and collaboration among National Neurological Societies (NNS) across Europe. 

Historically, National Neurological Societies could propose cities in their countries to host future EAN Congresses. While this model was successful, it naturally limited participation to countries with suitable congress infrastructure and venues. As the EAN Congress can only be organised in a limited number of European destinations, many societies had little opportunity to contribute directly to the organisation and development of the Congress.  

The EAN Congress Co-Hosts initiative was developed to address this challenge by ensuring broader participation, greater equity, and stronger representation of neurological communities from across Europe. Through this initiative, National Neurological Societies can actively contribute to the scientific and organisational development of the Congress, regardless of where the event takes place. 

Why Become an EAN Congress Co-Host?

The initiative aims to: 

  • Strengthen collaboration between National Neurological Societies and the EAN; 
  • Increase the visibility of neurological societies across Europe; 
  • Create a truly pan-European congress reflecting the diversity of neurological practice and research; 
  • Provide equal opportunities for societies to contribute to the EAN Congress; 
  • Showcase national achievements, activities and scientific developments; 
  • Foster exchange, cooperation and networking among European neurological communities. 

Congress Governance and Representation

To support this model, the former Local Organising Committee (LOC) has been expanded into a Congress Co-Organising Committee (COC). 

The Co-Organising Committee consists of 5 members:  

  • 2 representatives from the National Neurological Society of the host country; 
  • 3 representatives nominated by the selected co-host National Neurological Society or Societies.  

In addition, co-hosting societies are represented within the EAN Congress planning structure through participation in the Programme Committee. 

According to Article 26 of the EAN Bylaws, the Programme Committee includes one representative nominated by the National Neurological Society of the hosting country as a full member, while co-hosting countries participate through designated Programme Committee observers. These observers contribute expertise, provide input into programme development and ensure that the perspectives of the co-hosting societies are considered throughout the congress planning process.  

This structure ensures that co-hosting societies are actively involved in shaping the Congress while maintaining the governance framework established by the EAN Bylaws.  

 

To ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all National Neurological Societies, the following rules apply: 

  • Only National Neurological Societies that are Full Institutional Members of the EAN may apply. 
  • Up to three National Neurological Societies may submit a joint application. 
  • A National Neurological Society may participate in only one application per year. 
  • A National Neurological Society that has participated in a Local Organising Committee (LOC) or Co-Organising Committee (COC) may not apply again for five years after the respective Congress. 
  • A National Neurological Society from a country hosting an EAN Congress may not apply again for five years following that Congress. 
  • If EAN Congresses are organised repeatedly in the same country, the host-country National Neurological Society is not eligible to become a co-host of that Congress.  

Selected co-host societies work closely with the host society, the Co-Organising Committee and the EAN Programme Committee. Their activities may include: 

  • Nominating representatives to the Co-Organising Committee; 
  • Participating as observers in the Programme Committee; 
  • Presenting their societies during the Congress opening session and dedicated highlights sessions; 
  • Contributing to scientific and educational activities; 
  • Promoting neurology in their country through interviews, podcasts and social media activities; 
  • Showcasing their society and country at the Congress through dedicated visibility opportunities. 
Congress Location Co-host 
EAN Congress 2027Gothenburg, Sweden  
EAN Congress 2028 Rotterdam, Netherlands Czech, Polish & Slovak Neurological Society  
EAN Congress 2029 Vienna, Austria  

The EAN is currently inviting National Neurological Societies that are Full Institutional Members of the Academy to apply to become co-hosts of the EAN Congress 2029 in Vienna, Austria.  

Together, we can ensure that the EAN Congress remains a truly European platform that reflects the achievements, diversity and ambitions of the neurological community across all regions of Europe.  

To ensure transparency and alignment between the Programme Committee and National Societies, each National Society may nominate one representative to participate in Programme Committee meetings as an observer. 

Observers may: 

  • Attend Programme Committee meetings. 
  • Follow discussions and strategic planning related to educational activities. 
  • Contribute comments and feedback when invited by the Chair. 

Observers do not hold voting rights. 

This observer role aims to strengthen communication between the Programme Committee and National Societies, increase awareness of ongoing initiatives, and facilitate the exchange of perspectives across the EAN network.