EHN launches Position Paper on its vision for a European Cardiovascular Health Plan

On 9 December 2025, the European Heart Network (EHN) launched a new Position Paper outlining its vision, priorities and recommendations for the forthcoming European Cardiovascular Health Plan. The paper calls on EU institutions to take decisive, coordinated action to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD), Europe’s leading cause of death.

CVD affects more than 60 million people across the European Union and costs over €282 billion each year. Despite being largely preventable, outcomes continue to vary widely across regions, genders, socio-economic groups and age cohorts, highlighting the need for a strong and unified European response.

EHN’s vision and 2030 targets

EHN’s vision is of a Europe where everyone can grow up and live in a healthy, sustainable environment that supports cardiovascular health throughout life. By 2030, EHN calls for:

• a 30% reduction in premature and preventable CVD-related deaths
• a 30% reduction in the overall burden of CVD
• a 20% increase in hypertension control rates

These targets reflect the importance of effective prevention, equitable care and improved population health.

Three pillars for a European Cardiovascular Health Plan

To turn this vision into action, EHN proposes a European Cardiovascular Health Plan built on three mutually reinforcing pillars, with health equity embedded throughout.

Prioritise prevention
EHN calls for stronger EU action to make healthy choices easier and more accessible. Key measures include healthier food environments, tighter regulation of tobacco, nicotine and alcohol, WHO-aligned air-quality standards, improved opportunities for physical activity, and systematic early detection supported by strong primary care.

Empower patients
A people-centred approach is essential to improving outcomes and quality of life. EHN highlights the need for equitable access to essential medicines, expanded cardiac rehabilitation including digital solutions, strengthened psychosocial support, fair access to employment and financial services, and meaningful patient involvement across care pathways.

Strengthen research and innovation
The Position Paper stresses that EU investment in CVD research remains disproportionate to the scale of the burden. EHN calls for increased dedicated funding, greater focus on sex- and age-specific research, expanded cardiovascular registries, stronger data infrastructure through the European Health Data Space, and support for innovation such as drug repurposing.

Health equity as a cross-cutting priority

Health equity underpins all recommendations in the Position Paper. Persistent East–West disparities, gender gaps, and barriers faced by older adults, low-income groups and migrants must be addressed. By 2030, EHN calls for a 25% reduction in the East–West gap in premature mortality and a 20% reduction in gender gaps in treatment and rehabilitation access.

From vision to implementation

EHN urges the European Commission, Parliament and Council to adopt a comprehensive European Cardiovascular Health Plan with binding governance, secured financing, and transparent monitoring and reporting. This EU-level action should be complemented by national cardiovascular health action plans aligned with shared objectives and measurable targets.