On Tuesday, 16 December, the European Commission presented a package of measures to support the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the EU, affecting 62 million people and causing 1.7 million deaths each year. Risk factors are rising: over half of adults and one-third of young people are overweight or obese, 25% have hypertension, and 15% of those over 65 haven’t had a recent blood pressure check. Without action, these diseases could increase by 90% by 2050. Among the proposed measures is the Safe Hearts Plan, the EU’s first comprehensive approach to tackling CVDs, the leading cause of premature death in Europe. It focuses on prevention, early detection and treatment, while addressing key risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity. A central element is the promotion of regular physical activity, including a revision of the Council Recommendation on health-enhancing physical activity and continued EU-wide initiatives such as the #BeActive campaign and the European Week of Sport. 

The plan also aims to reduce health inequalities between member states, strengthen the use of data, digital tools and AI in healthcare, and support national cardiovascular health plans. Beyond improving public health, the initiative is designed to boost innovation and economic growth in cardiovascular care across the EU. The legislative proposals linked to the health package will be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council, while the Commission will work with member states to begin implementing the key actions of the Safe Hearts Plan.