A significant step forward in addressing the leading cause of death in Europe took place with the official launch of the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group in the European Parliament. Chaired by MEP Romana Jerković (S&D, Croatia), this cross-party group placed prevention and the tackling of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at the forefront of the EU’s health agenda.
The group held its inaugural meeting on 23 April, marking the official launch of A European Cardiovascular Health Plan: The Roadmap — a landmark publication that set out strategic priorities to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the burden of CVD across the EU. This comprehensive document guides future policy development with a focus on prevention, equitable access to care, and innovation.
The MEP Cardiovascular Health Group, coordinated by the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), served as a collaborative platform for Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to engage in dialogue, exchange knowledge, and support coordinated EU-wide action on cardiovascular health. The group’s work aims to inform and support the development of a European Cardiovascular Health Plan, an ambitious effort to reduce incidence rates and improve outcomes for those living with CVD.
At its first meeting, MEPs met with EACH partners to discuss the Group’s vision and priorities for the year ahead. The official launch of the Roadmap shone a spotlight on the urgent actions required to improve cardiovascular health and ensure the issue remained central to EU health policy.
MEP Romana Jerković, Chair of the Group, emphasised:
“Cardiovascular health is not just part of the puzzle – it is the piece that supports every other aspect of our health. Yet, cardiovascular disease is still the number one killer in Europe, despite the majority of cases being preventable. As Chair of the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group, I am committed to driving real change. We need bold, coordinated action across the entire continuum of care – from prevention and early detection to access to care and innovation. It’s time to put cardiovascular health at the heart of the EU’s health policy agenda!”
With CVD continuing to claim millions of lives each year, the creation of the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group marks a pivotal moment in the EU’s public health journey. With strong political will and coordinated action, the Group has the potential to transform cardiovascular health policy across Europe.
Read the official press release: https://www.cardiovascular-alliance.eu/cardiovascular-health-takes-centre-stage-with-new-mep-group/
—
The European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), of which WHF is a member, brings together leading European and international organizations around joint activities to promote cardiovascular health as a policy priority at EU level.
Media Enquiries:
Sophie Millar – [email protected]
Alessandra Boschi –[email protected]
