Interview with EHA’s European Affairs Committee Member, Raffaella Colombatti

Dr. Raffaella Colombatti is a pediatric hemato-oncologist at Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova. She is truly passionate about advancing equitable care for children, adolescents, and young adults with hematological disorders across Europe. Raffaella is heavily involved in the ERN-EuroBloodNet’s work on red blood cell disorders as well as EHA’s AYA Taskforce, where she is a valuable member. She joined the European Affairs Committee in 2023 and will step into the role of co‑chair this summer.

What made you join EHA’s European Affairs Committee?

I strongly believe that high-quality hematology care cannot rely on clinical excellence alone. European policies increasingly influence access to diagnostics, care, therapies, and research opportunities, and it is essential that clinicians contribute actively to these processes – with a shared European vision.

As a pediatric hematologist working across benign and rare conditions, and closely involved in clinical care, I have seen how regulatory and policy frameworks can either facilitate or hinder optimal care across ages, diseases, and settings. Joining the European Affairs Committee allows me to help ensure that European decision-making reflects the needs of patients across the entire life course and across Europe.

Which European Affairs topics are you most passionate about, and why?

I am particularly passionate about equity of access to care and research for patients with rare and benign hematological disorders, especially in children and adolescents and young adults (AYA). These patient groups often face delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, and limited access to clinical trials or innovative therapies, depending on where they live in Europe.

European health policy offers a unique opportunity to reduce these disparities through cross-border collaboration, shared standards of care, and investment in registries and research networks.

I am particularly committed to improving care pathways for AYA, including the transition from pediatric to adult services. This area remains insufficiently addressed at policy level, but has a major impact on long-term outcomes. The harmonization and interoperability of health data collection across the EU is also fundamental. European Affairs provides a framework to address these challenges in a coordinated and sustainable way.

What is the importance of EHA’s advocacy priorities?

EHA’s advocacy priorities lie at the heart of what it means to practice hematology in Europe today. Equitable and affordable access to care remains uneven across countries and patient populations. This is particularly evident in rare and benign hematological conditions, as well as in pediatric and AYA care, where evidence generation and regulatory frameworks are often less well adapted. Supporting research is therefore not only about innovation, but also about ensuring that all patients benefit from scientific progress.

Through the European Affairs Committee, EHA plays a crucial role in translating clinical and scientific expertise into constructive dialogue with European institutions. By engaging with EU policymakers, regulators, and patient organizations, EHA helps shape regulations that are proportionate, evidence-based, and fit for real-world clinical practice. This advocacy work ensures that European policies support sustainable healthcare systems while keeping patients’ needs at the center.

Why is the collaboration between EHA and ERN-EuroBloodNet so important?

This collaboration is essential to bridge the policy, clinical expertise, research and implementation science domains. EuroBloodNet showcases how European Reference Networks (ERNs) can improve care for patients with rare hematological diseases by fostering expertise sharing, harmonizing care pathways, supporting education and contributing to enhance research infrastructure. This is crucial given the uptake of AI in hematology and the EU’s new health data legislation.

By working together, EHA and EuroBloodNet can ensure that European policies and regulations are informed by clinical reality and that strategic decisions translate into tangible benefits for patients. This partnership is particularly important for benign and rare conditions across all ages, including children and AYA, where coordinated European action is often the only way to overcome national limitations in expertise and resources.

Why would you encourage other EHA members to join the EAC? 

Joining the EAC offers members a unique opportunity to contribute beyond individual clinical or research settings.

Being part of the EAC broadens perspectives, fosters collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, and helps clinicians understand how policy, regulation, and funding mechanisms shape daily practice. Importantly, it gives a voice to diverse areas of hematology, including pediatrics, AYA, and benign disorders, which need strong and consistent representation in European discussions.