Shaping the EU Safe Hearts Plan: regional perspectives for cardiovascular health -Spring Meeting 6 May 2026

May 6, 2026

On 6 May 2026, the Interregional Group on Health and Well-being of the European Committee of the Regions, for which EUREGHA acts as Secretariat, held a meeting on “Shaping the EU Safe Hearts Plan: regional perspectives for cardiovascular health.” The meeting brought together EU institutions, regional and local authorities, public health experts and stakeholders to discuss how the forthcoming Plan can support cardiovascular prevention and care across Europe.

Opening remarks and regional perspectives

Opening the meeting, Birgitta Sacrédeus, Chair of the Interregional Group of Health and Wellbeing, recalled that cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of death in Europe and stressed the importance of involving all levels of governance. Carmine Pacente, CoR Rapporteur for the opinion on the Safe Hearts Plan, presented the ongoing work on the draft opinion, highlighting the role of local and regional authorities in promoting collective prevention through urban planning, food policies, healthier school environments and support for healthy lifestyles.

European and Commission perspectives on the Safe Hearts Plan

The European Parliament perspective was shared by MEP Romana Jerković, Vice-Chair of the SANT Committee, who underlined the need to address commercial and environmental determinants of cardiovascular health, including tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy food, air pollution, noise and heat. She also stressed the importance of tackling the gender gap in cardiovascular health through better data, research and clinical training.

Representing the European Commission, Marianne Takki presented the priorities of the EU Safe Hearts Plan, structured around prevention, early detection and screening, and treatment, care management and rehabilitation. She highlighted the flagship initiative EU Cares for Your Heart, as well as planned actions on cardiovascular health checks, healthier diets, physical activity, tobacco legislation, awareness-raising, digital health, inequalities, women’s health and innovation.

Sharing practices and implementation experiences

The meeting also featured contributions from Benedetta Armocida, Coordinator of JACARDI, who presented the Joint Action as a key European framework on cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and Prof. Cristina Gavina, who illustrated the Portuguese Strategic Plan for Cardiovascular Health and its practical actions on awareness, screening, data and access to treatment.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strong cooperation between EU institutions, regional and local authorities, public health experts and stakeholders to ensure that the EU Safe Hearts Plan is translated into concrete, territory-sensitive action for cardiovascular health across Europe.