MEP Peter Agius calls on Commissioner Varhelyi to End Discrimination Against Pilots with Diabetes.

MEP Peter Agius has called on the European Commission to take immediate action to end the discrimination faced by commercial pilots with type 1 diabetes across the EU. Despite advancements in diabetes management technology that enable safe flying, many diabetic pilots in the EU lose their licenses—and careers—following their diagnosis, unlike their counterparts in the US, Canada, and Australia.

The current EU protocol, EASA ARA.MED.330, provides limited provisions for well-controlled diabetics to obtain aero-medical certification. However, this protocol has only been adopted by a few Member States and relies on outdated methods like fingerstick glucose monitoring. Meanwhile, countries outside Europe have implemented updated systems leveraging continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin-delivering technologies, ensuring safety while allowing diabetic pilots to continue flying.

“I was contacted by a pilot diagnosed with diabetes. He is seeing his career fade away as his licence was not renewed. We need to act for these people.

Advances in technology have made it possible for diabetics to manage their condition safely, but EU policies are lagging behind, forcing them to give up their livelihoods. I will not accept that.” MEP Peter Agius stated.

With the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) due to publish its research on this issue in October 2025, MEP Agius is urging the Commission to accelerate efforts.

In a letter to European Commissioner Varhelyi, MEP Peter Agius demands:

            1.         An update on EASA’s research and plans to incorporate modern diabetes management tools.

            2.         Steps to ensure all Member States adopt a standardized, inclusive approach.

            3.         Concrete measures to address the professional and emotional toll on diabetic pilots.

“Diabetic pilots deserve equal opportunities. It’s time for the EU to embrace modern solutions and eliminate discrimination,” Agius concluded.