EHN Joint Statements at the 76th WHO Regional Committee for Europe

The European Heart Network (EHN), as an accredited Non-State Actor in official relations with WHO/Europe, contributed to the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC76), held in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 27 to 29 October 2026.

Together with the World Heart Federation (WHF) and the European Stroke Organisation (ESO), EHN presented a joint statement supporting WHO’s proposed Strategy and Action Plan for Tackling Noncommunicable Diseases and Advancing Well-being through Health Promotion in the WHO European Region 2028–2037.

The statement highlights that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in Europe, despite up to 80% of premature CVD being preventable. It calls for stronger political commitment, adequate funding and effective regulation to create environments that support cardiovascular health throughout life.

In particular, the three organisations urge Member States to:

• Invest in prevention and implement WHO’s Best Buys, Quick Buys and air pollution guidelines.
• Strengthen public health regulation addressing tobacco, nicotine, alcohol and unhealthy foods, including their promotion to children and adolescents.
• Protect public health policymaking from commercial interference and conflicts of interest.
• Ensure equitable access to cardiovascular screening, treatment and rehabilitation, including improved hypertension management.

EHN and WHF also supported WHO’s Ageing is Living: A Strategy for Promoting a Lifetime of Health and Well-being in the WHO European Region 2026–2030, calling for stronger primary healthcare, universal health coverage and national cardiovascular health plans aligned with the EU Safe Hearts Plan.

Both statements underline the importance of moving from political commitments to concrete implementation, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.