The coronavirus prompted accelerated worldwide collaborations focusing
on the consequences of the viral infection. The impact of COVID-19 and the vaccination on people
with MS – on and off disease-modifying treatment – was studied jointly. Borders between countries
seemed to fade. At the same time, it became more complicated to cross borders physically and much
progress has been made using online solutions. Meeting colleagues became ‘virtual’, although real.
But in the past 11 years also our knowledge on many aspects of MS has increased and progress
has been made in treatment options and care for those suffering from the disease. The diagnosis of
MS and related diseases can be made at an earlier stage, leading to a timely start of an
individualised treatment strategy aimed at minimising the impact of the disease and maintaining an
optimal quality of life.