Your AccountWelcoming Our 2026–2030 Executive Committee
23.04.202623 April 2026
On 23 April 2026, the EMSP Council convened to elect a new Executive Committee, opening a new and exciting chapter in the organisation’s journey. We are delighted to introduce the leadership team that will steer EMSP over the next four years, and to warmly acknowledge those whose commitment and service have laid the foundations for this next phase.
Welcoming our new Executive Committee
We are proud to welcome Dr Jan Van Amstel of the Dutch MS Society as our new President. Jan is no stranger to EMSP, having served on the Executive Committee since 2022 and as Treasurer since 2024. His deep understanding of our organisation, combined with his strategic vision and genuine dedication to the MS community, makes him exceptionally well placed to lead EMSP into this next phase.
“I am honoured to take on the role of President of EMSP at this critical moment for the MS and related disorders community in Europe, when health risks slipping down the political agenda amid competing priorities. Having served on the Executive Committee for the past four years, I have witnessed first-hand the dedication and passion that drive this organisation. I am deeply grateful to my outgoing colleagues for the strong foundation they have built, and I look forward to working closely with our new Executive Committee, our member organisations, and our partners. Together, we will continue to champion equitable access and care for people living with MS, NMO, and MOGAD.” Dr Jan Van Amstel, said.
Joining him as Vice-President is Eduard Andrei Pletea of the Romanian MS Society (APAN). Eduard brings fresh energy and perspective, and we are confident his commitment to advocacy will strengthen EMSP’s voice across Europe.
We are also delighted to welcome Alexandre José Lopes Guedes da Silva of the Portuguese MS Society (SPEM) as our new Treasurer. Alexandre brings decades of leadership experience spanning academia, entrepreneurship, and sports management. As President of SPEM and someone living with MS himself, he combines organisational expertise with a deep personal commitment to the community he serves.
Our four newly elected Executive Committee Members — Mary McCusker (Irish MS Society), Dr Antonia Kaltsatou (Greek MS Society), Beatriz Martínez de la Cruz (Spanish MS Society, AEDEM-COCEMFE/EME), and Tania Pilz (Austrian MS Society) — each bring a wealth of experience from their national organisations and a shared passion for improving the lives of people living with MS. We are thrilled to have them on board.
A heartfelt thank you to our outgoing Committee
We bid a fond farewell to our former President Herbert Temmes (DMSG), Vice-President Federica Balzani (AISM), and Executive Committee Members Aoife Kirwan (MS Ireland) and Susanna Van Tonder (Luxembourg MS Society). Your leadership, tireless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the MS and related disorders community have left a lasting imprint on this organisation. EMSP is stronger for your service, and we are deeply grateful for everything you have contributed during your tenure.
Looking ahead
With a renewed Executive Committee in place, EMSP enters this new chapter energised and united in purpose. Together with our member organisations, our partners, and above all the people living with MS and related disorders across Europe, we will continue to advocate, connect, and drive meaningful change.
