European Policy Engagement Rises as ESC Spring Summit Drives Action on Cardiovascular Health

Sophia Antipolis, France - 5 March 2026: The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) welcomed Adam Jarubas MEP, Chair of the European Parliament's Public Health Committee (SANT), to its annual ESC Spring Summit today, underlining the increasing recognition that cardiovascular disease (CVD) must be treated as a top tier political priority.

CVD remains Europe's leading cause of death, but progress depends on national governments adopting strong, evidence-based cardiovascular health plans and resourcing them. With the EU Safe Hearts Plan now guiding EU-level ambition, the presence of an elected Member of the European Parliament at a meeting traditionally reserved for cardiovascular experts demonstrates a growing commitment to closing the gap between scientific evidence and political decision-making.

Mr Jarubas told delegates from across Europe and the Mediterranean basin:
"The EU Safe Hearts strategy is a priority of this Parliament. When a 40-year-old warehouse worker in Kielce can expect the same healthy life-years as a manager in Malmö, we will know we have succeeded. Health may depend on DNA code, but in Europe it must not depend on postal code."

ESC President, Professor Thomas Lüscher stressed that real impact will require collective effort, political will, and serious investment: "To transform cardiovascular health at scale, we need collaboration across every country and every level of the health system. The Safe Hearts Plan and national cardiovascular health plans give us strong frameworks, but they will only change lives if they are actioned - and that requires budgets proportionate to the magnitude of the challenge we face."

This year's Summit focused on how political leaders and cardiovascular experts can work together to translate EU-level ambition into national level action. Discussions centered on prevention, early detection, equitable access to care, and resilience in national health systems.

ESC President-elect, Professor Cecilia Linde highlighted; "The ESC's National Cardiac Society members bring their medical knowledge and experience from their clinical work, scientific expertise, and a wealth of data that can support governments in designing and delivering effective heart health strategies. They represent the people who are treating patients and supporting their loved ones."

By engaging directly with political leaders and supporting national cardiac societies to do so at a national level, the ESC continues to strengthen its role as the trusted scientific partner supporting governments in their efforts to tackle the world's biggest killer.

Mr. Jarubas concluded; "The EU Safe Heart Plan aims to elevate cardiovascular health to a strategic EU priority, and the Critical Medicines Act will strengthen patients' security and the sovereignty of European medicines. Together we are building a European Health Union, with a heart for Europe."