The European Cancer Summit 2025 will unite the cancer community for an exceptional edition, fit for exceptional times.
The Summit this year will focus on the urgent need to secure sustained political and financial support for cancer as a health and societal priority. This multistakeholder forum provides a unique setting for healthcare professionals, patients and policymakers to tackle challenges from every perspective and work together towards developing solutions and uncovering opportunities.
This year’s theme will underpin each session, shaped by the work of the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) and its nine Focused Topic Networks:
Cancer in a Changing Global Landscape: Cancer care and research are being reshaped by global instability and shrinking support for international cooperation, creating far-reaching challenges for Europe and beyond.
Challenges & Commitments: As the political agenda of the European Union shifts to address geopolitical challenges, the cancer community must rally - drawing strength from the achievements of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the Cancer Mission - to ensure quality cancer care remains health priority but also a pillar of resilience, innovation, and strategic autonomy.
This year's European Cancer Summit will be chaired by:
To discover the work of last year's Summit, read the European Cancer Summit Report and explore key takeaways and memorable quotes from all sessions.
You can also watch the highlights from the session recordings or check out our photo gallery for day one and day two.
We invite everyone interested in attending the European Cancer Summit 2025 to register below.
The same registration rate applies for both in-person attendance in Brussels and virtual participation. You may indicate your attending type in the form. Please note that the special rate ended on 15 September.
Cancelled registrations are not refundable but can be eligible for a change of name for €175. Please contact us if you have any questions.
For any hotel booking or practical information, please check our dedicated Practical Info page.
Following the third year of abstract submissions in 2024 and the continued growth of the Young Cancer Professionals (YCP) group, the European Cancer Organisation collected abstract submissions for this year’s European Cancer Summit
The abstract submission process is now closed!
Every year, abstract submissions are open to lead authors aged 40 or younger as of 15 November 2025, (and therefore eligible to join the ECO Young Cancer Professionals group). We strongly encourage junior clinicians and academics to submit as lead authors. A maximum of 20 outstanding abstracts will be chosen for display in the Poster Exhibition at the Summit in Brussels on 19-20 November 2025, with authors invited to introduce their work during the event. From these, up to three will be selected to deliver a formal presentation at the European Cancer Summit. Only young cancer professionals listed as authors on the abstract submission will be eligible for a presentation. (Please note that applications to join the YCP group should be made separately by contacting ycp@europeancancer.org)
ECO is committed to delivering equitable and effective cancer care globally, translating the best evidence to policy and practice. Research abstracts must fit within our key Focused Topic Networks which cover all priority areas of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and EU Cancer Mission recommendations.
The key categories are:
Due to space availability, a maximum of 20 abstracts will be selected for the Poster Exhibition at the Summit and authors will be invited to present their abstracts at the European Cancer Summit 2025. Abstracts will be selected to ensure representation across all Focused Topic Networks. Lead authors of selected abstracts will receive free registration for the Summit. All accepted abstracts will also be published on the ECO website and, after the Summit, in the Journal of Cancer Policy.
You can find the abstracts selected from the European Cancer Summit 2024 here.
Each abstract will be blindly reviewed by the Co-Chairs of the relevant Focused Topic Network and ECO board-appointed reviewers. The submitted abstracts will be evaluated according to the abstract scoring grid. Please consult the provided submission guidelines and scoring grid before finalising your submission. Reviewers will use the scoring grid as a reference framework during evaluation.
The 2025 abstract submission process is now closed!
After the evaluation, lead authors will be notified in early October and, if selected, invited to present their work at the Summit in Brussels. Should you have any questions, please send us an email at summitabstract@europeancancer.org
08:30-09:00 |
Registration |
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Registration and badge printing will be on the ground floor again this year, to the right as you enter the hotel. Attendees can then head upstairs for coffee and a continental breakfast before the day's sessions begin. |
09:00-09:15 |
Opening Session |
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With:
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09:15-10:30 |
Breaking Barriers: Confronting Bias, Seen and Unseen, in Cancer Care |
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Organised by the Inequalities Network |
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Cancer does not affect all people equally. Gender and sexual identity can be important determinants of cancer and health outcomes. In this session, we focus on how women and LGBTIQ individuals often face unique barriers in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment—barriers rooted in social, economic, and structural inequalities. From disparities in access to screening programmes to bias in medical research and healthcare delivery, these gaps can lead to delayed diagnoses, poorer outcomes, and increased suffering. This session will emphasise the urgent need for inclusive policies, equitable healthcare systems, and targeted interventions. We will explore insights from ECO’s work on Women and Cancer and discuss the key findings from ECO’s survey on challenges faced by the LGBTIQ community. By identifying obstacles, amplifying voices, and pushing for meaningful change, we aim to ensure that equity is placed at the heart of all cancer policies. |
With network co-chairs Nicolò Battisti and Sarah Collen, including speakers:
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09:15-10:15 |
Special meeting: HPV Elimination in Southeast Europe |
This side meeting will gather key stakeholders and experts from Southeast Europe to discuss new initiatives to advance HPV elimination. Building on ECO’s earlier country-level efforts, the campaign has now expanded to a regional level. The session will share key achievements, highlight progress across participating countries, and outline next steps for ECO and its partners in the area. |
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10:30-11:00 |
Coffee Break |
11:00-12:15 |
Not Just Treatment: The Power of Prevention and Cancer Screening |
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Organised by the Prevention, Early Detection and Screening Network |
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While groundbreaking advancements in treatment continue to save lives, the reality is that too many cancers remain preventable, and too many diagnoses come too late. Now is the time to strengthen action in critical areas such as tobacco, screening, and early detection. Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of cancer, responsible for nearly 27% of all cases across the EU. Despite regulatory progress, new challenges have emerged, particularly with the rising use of novel tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Stricter regulation is needed to protect young people and prevent addiction. At the same time, new technologies in early detection offer an opportunity to transform cancer outcomes by identifying the disease at its earliest, most treatable stages. Through this session, we will explore how Europe can take decisive action to accelerate prevention efforts, modernise screening practices, and build a future where fewer lives are lost to cancer. |
With network co-chairs Isabel Rubio and Luis Seijo, including speakers:
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11:00-12:00 |
Special meeting: Hepatitis & Liver Cancer: Challenges and Action |
This session will examine the current status of hepatitis and liver cancer in the European region, highlight ongoing EU efforts to reduce caseloads, showcase best practices and examples, and address the plight of migrants. It will also present ECO’s upcoming priorities and next steps in tackling these challenges. |
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11:30-12:00 |
Spotlight: Investing for Impact – taking EU cancer policy to the next level |
Europe’s cancer community stands at a crossroads. As the EU prepares its next Multiannual Financial Framework, the future of cancer policy and the momentum of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan hang in the balance. Join this side meeting at the European Cancer Summit to explore what is at stake, how united action can accelerate progress, and what lies ahead for 2026 and 2027. Together, let us take EU cancer policy to the next level, investing in efforts that provide impact and hope for millions. |
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12:15-13:15 |
Networking Lunch & Poster Presentations |
13:15-14:30 |
Towards the Finish Line: Accelerating Momentum for HPV-related Cancers Elimination in Europe |
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Organised by the HPV & Hep B Action Network |
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Europe is making significant strides towards a major public health milestone: the elimination of HPV-related cancers. Thanks to growing political commitment, scientific advancements, and strengthened regional cooperation, this once-distant goal is now within reach. However, achieving elimination requires sustained momentum, strategic execution, and collective action to translate progress into measurable impact. This session acknowledges that we are at a critical turning point, shifting from planning to implementation. It will showcase the key tools, data, and partnerships driving this transition, including insights from the latest ECO paper on cervical cancer and HPV screening, updates from the ECDC on HPV vaccination monitoring, and the forthcoming revision of the HPV Elimination Atlas. The message behind this session is clear: Europe is making significant progress, and now is the time to accelerate efforts. Success will not only depend on scaling effective strategies, but also on ensuring that progress reaches every country, every community, and every patient. |
With network co-chair Daniel Kelly and vice-chair Amil Družić, including speakers:
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13:15-14:15 |
Special meeting: Young Cancer Professionals Networking Meeting |
Join this informal gathering to connect with early-career medical professionals and share experiences, explore opportunities for collaboration and grow your professional network. Whether or not you’re a member of the Young Cancer Professionals Group, come and meet peers who are passionate about improving cancer care and discover what the group has to offer! |
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13:45-14:15 |
Spotlight: What does cancer care look like in rural Europe? |
This spotlight will bring together cancer community stakeholders to explore how to build on existing evidence and international experiences. The discussion will explore knowledge gaps, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration to address cancer inequalities faced by rural populations. The meeting will serve as a first step towards shaping a coordinated European effort to improve access, outcomes, and policy responses for cancer patients in rural areas. |
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14:30-14:40 |
Transition break |
14:40-15:20 |
Young Cancer Voices shaping tomorrow’s European Cancer Policy |
Organised by the ECO Young Cancer Professionals Group |
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In this forward-looking session, young cancer professionals and policymakers take the stage to share their vision for tomorrow’s cancer policy. Drawing from frontline experience and fresh policy insight, these young leaders will reflect on emerging public health threats facing the next generation and explore how to address them. Through a dynamic exchange, they will present their vision for a future European Cancer Policy that can secure ambitious progress in cancer prevention, care, and equity across the continent. |
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With speakers:
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15:20-15:30 |
Transition break |
15:30-15:50 |
Keynote session with Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare |
15:50-16:20 |
Coffee break |
16:20-17:35 |
Artificial Intelligence and Cancer Care: A Paradigm Shift in Progress |
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Organised by the Digital Health Network |
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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming oncology, offering new possibilities for prevention, early detection, personalised treatment, and advanced research. As AI-driven tools become more integrated into cancer care, they hold the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, optimise clinical workflows, and improve patient outcomes. This session will explore key cross-cutting themes identified in the ECO report on AI, including AI literacy and education, trust and ethics, and the pivotal role of data in the digitalisation of cancer care. As AI technologies evolve, it is critical to ensure that healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge to interpret and utilise AI-generated insights effectively. Similarly, ethical considerations, ranging from data privacy to the role of AI in medical decision-making, must remain central to discussions on implementation. These foundational topics will guide the conversation, complemented by real-world examples and concrete AI applications across the cancer care continuum: from prevention and early detection to treatment and survivorship. |
With network co-chairs Wim Oyen, Annemiek Snoeckx, and Alex Eniu, including speakers:
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16:30-17:30 |
Special meeting: Healthy Ageing and Cancer: Bridging Evidence and EU Policy |
This meeting brings together EU Navigate and SIOG to explore how evidence on navigation programmes for older people can inform EU policy. As the policy landscape shifts, older adults and other vulnerable groups risk being overlooked. The discussion will examine ageing as a key societal factor and the role of ‘healthy ageing’, giving participants a practical opportunity to contribute ideas that can shape EU actions across generations in the coming year. |
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16:50-17:35 |
Spotlight: Building Momentum to Improve Men’s Health and Reduce Prostate Cancer |
This spotlight session, organised under the Men & Cancer Workstream of the European Cancer Organisation’s Inequalities Network, will highlight the urgent need for stronger political commitment and investment in prostate cancer care across Europe, as well as attention to various men’s health conditions. Experts, clinicians, and patient advocates will discuss lessons from national screening projects, policy progress, and the next steps toward a coordinated European strategy. Insights will feed into ECO’s forthcoming commentary report in 2026. |
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17:35-18:15 |
Presenting the top abstracts from ECO’s Young Cancer ProfessionalsAnnouncing the Rising Star Grants from the European Cancer Community Foundation |
18:15-20:15 |
Networking Reception at the Summit venue |
08:15-08:45 |
Registration |
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Registration and badge printing will be on the ground floor again this year, to the right as you enter the hotel. Attendees can then head upstairs for coffee and a continental breakfast before the day's sessions begin. |
08:45-10:00 |
Cancer Survivorship and Quality of Life: Is the EU Doing Enough? |
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Organised by the Survivorship & Quality of Life Network |
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Surviving cancer in Europe today is about more than just overcoming the disease - it is about actively restoring a person's quality of life after treatment. While medical advancements have improved survival rates, the physical, psychological, and social challenges that follow are often underestimated. From lingering health complications and financial insecurity to emotional distress and societal stigma, survivors navigate a complex post-treatment reality that demands more attention. But is the EU doing enough to support them? This session begins with a powerful survivor testimony, shedding light on the lived experience of cancer survivorship. It then explores how EU policies on survivorship and quality of life have evolved, guided by insights from the new ECO Survivorship and Quality of Life Paper. We will examine best practices, EU-funded research, and evidence-based guidelines, identifying where progress has been made and where barriers to implementation persist. |
With network co-chair Luzia Travado, including speakers:
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09:30-10:00 |
Spotlight: Leading Cancer Policy Change through Data: the European Cancer Pulse Impact |
How can we best use data to drive better cancer control in Europe? This session will showcase the European Cancer Pulse, a leading tool to illustrate evidence and address cancer inequalities between and within countries. Updates will be shared on the evolution of the Pulse data tool and its content, as well as the development of European Cancer Pulse outputs, such as Country Reports and Policy Indexes. Discussions held during the meeting will contribute to guiding the policy research work of the European Cancer Organisation for 2026. |
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10:00-10:20 |
Coffee Break |
10:20-11:35 |
Strengthening the Oncology Workforce: Addressing Shortages, Well-being, and Future Skills |
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Organised by the Workforce Network |
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The oncology workforce is facing growing challenges, with staff shortages, increasing workload, and rising levels of burnout placing enormous pressure on healthcare professionals. The demand for cancer care is rising, driven by an ageing population, higher cancer incidence, and more complex treatment protocols, yet the workforce tasked with delivering care is struggling to keep pace. At the same time, cancer care is evolving rapidly, reflecting scientific and technological advancements that require new skill sets and continuous education and professional development. This session will examine both the challenges and solutions needed to create a resilient and future-ready oncology workforce. It will explore strategies to retain and support professionals, highlighting the importance of healthy work environments. The discussion will also focus on how to ensure that education and professional development programmes evolve to meet the demands of new technologies, digital healthcare, and emerging treatment approaches. |
With network co-chairs Wendy Oldenmenger, Mirjam Crul, and Wim Ceelen, including speakers:
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10:30-11:30 |
Special meeting: Advancing Inclusion in Cancer Policy and Practice |
This session will explore how to strengthen inclusivity across Europe’s cancer community by addressing persistent underrepresentation and inequalities. Participants will discuss ongoing policy developments and opportunities to better reflect Europe’s diversity in cancer prevention, care, and research. The discussion will highlight how inclusive approaches, from data frameworks to community engagement, can support fairer access, participation, and outcomes, helping ensure that every person affected by cancer is recognised and represented in European initiatives. |
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11:35-11:45 |
Transition break |
11:45-13:00 |
National Cancer Control Plans in Focus: Lessons, Challenges, and Future Directions |
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Organised by the Health Systems & Quality Cancer Care Network |
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National cancer control plans play a crucial role in reducing the burden of cancer, providing a roadmap to design and implement efficient prevention and control that take into account the context of a country’s cancer burden, risk factors, prevalence, available resources, sociocultural environment and so on. As countries across Europe develop or refine their cancer strategies, valuable insights emerge from reviewing existing cancer plans to analyse what has worked and where gaps exist. This session will bring together experts who have conducted comprehensive analyses of cancer plans, together with policymakers responsible for developing and implementing cancer plans. They will debate learnings we can draw from existing plans and how to overcome implementation challenges, as well as explore innovative solutions to foster more coordinated, impactful, and patient-centred cancer policies. |
With network co-chairs Yolande Lievens, and Piotr Rutkowski, including speakers:
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12:30-13:00 |
Spotlight: United by Cancer, Driven by Community: The Story of the European Cancer Community Foundation |
This session explores the powerful story of this growing philanthropic effort, how a shared commitment and collaboration gave rise to a movement supporting unmet needs within Europe’s cancer community. Hear from inspiring laureates whose work exemplifies the Foundation’s mission and impact across Europe. |
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13:00-14:00 |
Networking Lunch |
14:00-15:15 |
Bringing European Cancer Research to the Next Level: Cooperation, Innovation and Transformation |
Organised by the Research Policy Network |
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EU action on health and life sciences research, including the EU Cancer Mission, has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer control across Europe. By fostering cutting-edge scientific discovery, supporting large-scale collaborative projects, and championing patient-centred innovation, these initiatives have laid a strong foundation for tackling one of Europe’s most pressing health challenges. Yet the path forward requires even greater ambition. Stronger coordination, long-term strategic goals, the integration of diverse expertise, and the pooling of resources will be key to bringing European research to the next level and ensuring that research and innovation translate into improved outcomes across all European regions. This session will reflect on the progress achieved and define the next level of ambition for European cancer research. Together, we will explore how strengthened cooperation and a more unified vision can accelerate discovery, inform policy, and drive impactful, sustainable change to reduce the burden of cancer. |
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Keynote address: Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation With network co-chair Christine Chomienne, including speakers:
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14:30-15:15 |
Spotlight: Advancing Multidisciplinary Cancer Training Across Europe: The INTERACT-EUROPE 100 Experience |
This spotlight explores how the INTERACT-EUROPE 100 programme is being implemented within cancer centres across Europe. Speakers will share experiences of applying inter-specialty and inter-professional training within their institutes - highlighting how it helps connect disciplines, strengthen collaboration and build momentum toward more integrated cancer training through shared learning among doctors, nurses and other professionals. |
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15:15-15:35 |
Coffee break |
15:35-16:50 |
When Time Is of the Essence: Strengthening Cancer Care in Times of Emergencies and Crises |
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Organised by the Emergencies & Crises Network |
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Emergencies and crises have become a recurring challenge for our healthcare systems in recent times. On top of many conflicts throughout the world, first came the COVID-19 pandemic, then the war in Ukraine, followed by the conflict in Gaza, and now the growing trade war, which risks exacerbating medicine shortages. There is also the increasing challenge for cancer patients related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These crises have had profound implications for cancer care, leading to disruptions in treatment, delays in diagnoses, and ultimately, the loss of lives and suffering for countless patients and their families. By joining forces, we are much stronger in addressing these challenges, finding solutions, and building resilience within our healthcare systems. Only through united efforts can we safeguard the progress made in cancer care and ensure that patients receive the timely, uninterrupted treatment they deserve. Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission have proven to be powerful catalysts for joint action across borders in the fight against cancer. Now is the time to reinforce commitment and ensure that cancer care remains a priority even in times of crisis. |
With network co-chairs Mark Lawler, and Jacek Jassem, including speakers:
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16:50-17:00 |
Closing session |
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With:
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09:00-13:00 |
ECHoS Town Hall Meeting |
This event will bring together key stakeholders from both the ECHoS project and the ECO community to reflect, connect, and shape the future of the EU Mission on Cancer and the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP) through the lens of National Cancer Mission Hubs (NCMHs). Held on the day after the European Cancer Summit 2025, this event will be an opportunity to provide input into the implementation of NCMHs in individual countries, share knowledge and plan for future actions. Register and check out the full programme here. Registrations are open until 14 November 2025 |
The European Cancer Summit 2025 will take place at
RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL
47 Rue du Fossé Aux Loups – 1000 Brussels
Tel: +32 2 219 28 28
Website: click here
For delegates planning to travel to Brussels, we have secured preferential accommodation rates/conditions at the Summit hotel Radisson Collection Hotel, Grand Place Brussels:
Please note that the rates offered are valid for a minimum length of stay of 2 nights (Tuesday & Wednesday).
To make your reservation:
You are advised to book early to ensure availability. Please note that the European Cancer Organisation is not responsible for any travel, hotel or cancellation costs. For reservations outside of the Summit dates (18 November – 20 November), please e-mail groups.brussels@radissonhotels.com or phone +32 2 227 30 00
Find out more about Brussels public transport network and plan your journey HERE. Not a frequent Brussels traveller? Then contactless payment is the most convenient solution. Just hold your contactless bank card, smartphone or smartwatch directly against the grey bus, tram or metro validator, and "beep": your journey can begin. Fast and easy. Fare for 1 journey: EUR 2.30.
Taxis verts: +32 2 349 49 49
Uber is also available and widely used in Brussels
Taxis verts PRM - +32 2 349 49 49
Taxis Verts has vehicles specially equipped with ramps and elevators for persons with reduced mobility (PRM). This service is available 24/7 in and around Brussels. The price is identical to that of a conventional taxi. The waiting time usually varies between 15 to 30 minutes during off-peak hours. During rush hours, please add 30 minutes to the usual waiting time. It’s also possible to pre-book a taxi for later.
Dial +32 2 349 49 49 to order your PRM taxi or request a PRM ride with your mobile phone via by selecting « PRM » from the vehicle options (in service level eCab+). Download the app for free and learn more onhttp://www.taxisverts.be/
The Summit Organisers do not assume any liability for personal injuries sustained or loss of, or damage to, property belonging to Summit delegates (or their accompanying persons), either during or as result of the Summit. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance.
The dress code for the Summit sessions and networking reception will be Business Formal.
Delegates are advised not leave any device, bags or belongings unattended throughout the meeting spaces.
The Organisers cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings that may occur during the event.