EU Intensifies Efforts to Improve Cardiovascular Health

The European Union is expanding its initiatives to address cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death within its member states, accounting for an estimated 1.7 million fatalities annually. In December 2025, the European Commission introduced the 'Safe Hearts Plan' as a comprehensive approach to health, focusing particularly on vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, and women.

The 'Safe Hearts Plan' is structured to provide support for EU member states and stakeholders in areas including health promotion, disease prevention, early detection, and care for individuals affected by cardiovascular conditions. The plan covers a broad spectrum, ranging from public health campaigns to rehabilitation programs, and places emphasis on meeting the unique needs of at-risk populations.

Regulatory Measures on Tobacco and Nicotine Products

Recently, the European Parliament's Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) issued its formal response to the 'Safe Hearts Plan'. The committee called for a coordinated strategy to prevent cardiovascular diseases and address related risk factors and comorbidities. The approach proposed by the committee links cardiovascular disease prevention to the management of other major non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and obesity.

Members of the health committee advocated for strong regulatory measures aimed at reducing the affordability, accessibility, consumption, and appeal of tobacco and nicotine products, including smoking devices. The committee recommended that new tobacco products be included within the scope of the Tobacco Products Directive, and called for explicit regulation of social media advertising under the directive governing tobacco advertising and sponsorship.

Public Awareness Campaigns on Alcohol Consumption

The ENVI committee also encouraged EU member states to implement awareness and communication campaigns highlighting the cardiovascular risks and other health dangers associated with excessive alcohol consumption. These initiatives are particularly targeted at consumption levels that exceed established scientific health guidelines.

Promoting balanced diets and regular physical activity was also emphasized as central to the EU's prevention strategy. The committee called for improved front-of-pack nutrition labeling on food products and a more thorough assessment of the health impacts of highly processed foods and energy drinks.

Screening and Access to Quality Care

The report supports the introduction of cardiovascular health screenings, especially for individuals with at least one risk factor or a family history of early-onset cardiovascular disease. It also advocates for timely and affordable access to high-quality care for those living with cardiovascular conditions. The committee urged both EU and national authorities to take additional steps to reduce health inequalities linked to socioeconomic status, gender, age, healthcare access, and environmental factors.

Enhanced Training and Public Education

Furthermore, the committee highlighted the importance of expanding public awareness regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and recommended the mandatory integration of CPR training into school curricula and workplace programs. These measures are designed to increase survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac events by ensuring a broader segment of the population is equipped with lifesaving skills.

The ENVI committee's report was approved with a significant majority and is expected to be considered by the full European Parliament during its plenary session in September 2026. The potential adoption of the report would mark a further step in the EU's ongoing efforts to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and promote public health across its member states.