This edition features a JCC Plus Video Interview with Edouard Louis and Johan Burisch, who share their perspectives on the evolving landscape of IBD care. They discuss the importance of collaborative research and how data-driven decisions are shaping better patient outcomes. Their conversation offers a thoughtful glimpse into the future of our field and the collective progress driving it forward.
Our National Representatives’ Meeting report captures the many discussions that took place at UEG Week, from committee updates to upcoming initiatives, reflecting the essential role of our National Reps in connecting the ECCO community across Europe and beyond. The energy and enthusiasm shared at the meeting truly reflect the strength of our community and the spirit of collaboration that continues to drive ECCO forward.
This issue brings together a rich collection of articles from across the ECCO network. A topical review involving H-ECCO, Y-ECCO, and EduCom delves into the complex topic of drug-induced IBD-like colitis, offering multidisciplinary insights from gastroenterology, pathology, and oncology. From a nutritional perspective, Julie Vanderstappen explores the challenge of sarcopenia in IBD, a condition often overlooked but with major implications for patient outcomes and care strategies.
N-ECCO’s Cathy Walsh invites colleagues to the ECCO 2026 Congress in Stockholm, which will be centred on holistic IBD care, and encourages nurses to share their valuable research through abstract submissions. Meanwhile, Alaa El-Hussuna and colleagues present the Global Consensus on IBD in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, a landmark initiative that sets the stage for reducing global disparities in IBD care. For trainees, the 24th IBD Intensive Course continues to evolve, offering a more interactive and case-based format designed to strengthen critical thinking and foster mentorship.
We are also proud to include Y-ECCO Literature Reviews, written by our talented young colleagues, who highlight exciting new scientific publications shaping the IBD landscape.
This issue also features an inspiring Y-ECCO Interview with Luisa Avedano, CEO of the International Federation of Crohn’s & Colitis Associations (IFCCA), who shares her perspectives on patient engagement and the vital role of patients as active contributors to science. Gilaad G. Kaplan and Siew C. Ng, co-leaders of the GIVES-21 Research Group, also share their reflections on global IBD epidemiology and remind us of the power of international collaboration to drive meaningful progress.
Finally, our Meet the JCC Authors interview series continues to showcase the people behind the work, the clinicians, researchers, and contributors who embody ECCO’s spirit of connection and excellence.
We wish you an enjoyable read and look forward to seeing you all again in Stockholm in February 2026 for another memorable ECCO Congress.
With warm regards,
Fernando Magro
President, European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO)
