Meeting of the Professional Practice Working Group in Rome | 16-17 January 2026

The Professional Practice Working Group of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy met in person in Rome on 16 and 17 January 2026.

During both days, its members discussed and made the final adjustments to the documents that will be presented in the next General Meeting of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy.

The trip also provided an opportunity to visit Sapienza University and meet with the regional Chair of the Italian Order of Physiotherapists and the Italian Member Organisation’s (AIFI) regional coordinator and international relations officer. During this meeting, to which university students were invited, the situation of physiotherapy in the country’s public emergency system was discussed, along with the projects being carried out to improve it. Members of the Professional Practice Working Group shared ideas and the situation in their own countries.

Meeting of the Advocacy & EU Matters Working Group in Stockholm | 23-24 January 2026

On 23 and 24 January 2026, the members of the Advocacy & EU Matters Working Group of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy met in person in Stockholm, Sweden. The meeting took place at the office of Fysioterapeuterna and it provided an important opportunity for collaboration and strategic discussion. 

On 23 January, the President of Fysioterapeuterna delivered a presentation to the Working Group Members, outlining the current situation of physiotherapy in Sweden and the main challenges faced by the association within today’s healthcare landscape.

The discussions strengthened coordination across the Working Group and reinforced its shared commitment to supporting the development of the physiotherapy profession throughout Europe.

Meeting of the Education & Research Working Group in Sofia | 5-6 February 2026                         

The members of the Education & Research Working Group of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy met in Sofia, Bulgaria, on 5 and 6 January 2026. 

On 5 January, the E&R Working Group members met with the heads of the Physiotherapy departments of the universities of Pristina at the National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski". 

Participants signed a consensus statement calling for the unification of the existing roles of “Rehabilitation Specialist” and “Kinesitherapist” into one regulated profession under the protected title of “Physiotherapist” in the healthcare field, with a minimum four-year bachelor’s degree and advanced study pathways, including master’s and doctoral programmes.

Following the meeting, Esther-Mary D’Arcy, Chair of the Europe Region, and Constance Schlegl, Regional Board Member of World Physiotherapy, addressed the Bulgarian Association of Physiotherapists Board and the Education & Research Working Group members via videoconference in remembrance of Lyubomira Sazdova, whose contributions made the Sofia meeting possible.

Two days of intensive work highlighted the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy’s commitment to advancing physiotherapy standards and education.