Cardiovascular health takes centre stage with new MEP Group

16 April, 2025 – A significant step forward in addressing the leading cause of death in Europe is set to take 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 is poised to place the prevention and tackling of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at the forefront of the EU’s health agenda. The group will hold its inaugural meeting on 23 April, during which it will introduce A European Cardiovascular Health Plan: The Roadmap — a landmark publication that outlines strategic priorities to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the burden of CVD across the EU. This comprehensive document will guide 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), will serve 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 will meet with EACH partners to discuss the Group’s vision and priorities for the year ahead. The presentation of the Roadmap will shine a spotlight on the urgent actions required to improve cardiovascular health and ensure the issue remains central to EU health policy. A Milestone for the European Cardiovascular Health Plan 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 80% 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. Find more information on the event here.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels, including heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and congenital heart disease.

1 in 3 deaths in the EU is caused by cardiovascular disease

62 million people are currently living with CVD in the EU

€282 billion is the annual cost of CVD to the EU economy

20% of all premature deaths (before age 65) in the EU are due to CVD.