Funding for biomedical research on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)

7.10.2020

Priority question for written answer P-005482/2020/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 138
Pascal Arimont (PPE)

In its resolution of 18 June 2020, Parliament expressed its deep concern about the underfunding of research into ME/CFS, a hidden public health problem in the EU.  

Parliament called on the Commission and Member States to ensure the due recognition of ME/CFS, allocate additional funding, and prioritise calls for projects specifically focused on biomedical research into ME/CFS. Patients have argued that the current grant system is not working for ME/CFS – an illness that is marked by stigma, misunderstanding and historic neglect by the scientific community – and that more should be done to ensure that funding is available to interested biomedical researchers, so that they can improve our understanding of this disabling disease and develop diagnostic tests and effective treatments.

Parliament also stressed the need for more cooperation between Member States on research into ME/CFS in order to develop objective diagnostic standards and effective forms of treatment.

• 1.What steps will the Commission take to improve the situation of millions of people affected in the EU?
• 2.How will IT ensure that Horizon Europe provides funding for biomedical research into ME/CFS?
• 3.Will a scoping study be commissioned in the near future?