Launch of the State of Cardiovascular Health in the European Union Report

On Tuesday 10 February 2026, the European Commission and the OECD host a webinar highlighting the the release of the State of Cardiovascular Health in the European Union, a report developed in view of supporting the development of the European Union’s newly adopted Safe Hearts Plan. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death and disability in the European Union, with significant geographic, gender and socio-economic disparities in outcomes and care. Despite progress in prevention and treatment, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed some gains, and most countries still face challenges in ensuring effective prevention, early detection, access to acute care and long-term management. The economic and social burden of CVD is immense, driven by premature mortality, lost productivity, and high healthcare costs. While digital health tools, AI and remote monitoring offer promising innovations, their integration into national systems remains limited. Cross-sectoral prevention policies implemented across the life course and a growing emphasis on people-centred care and rehabilitation are critical levers to reduce the burden of CVD and improve long-term outcomes in Europe. Following a presentation of the key findings from the report, an expert panel will provide their reflection on the report.

• The State of Cardiovascular Health in the European Union website: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-state-of-cardiovascular-health-in-the-european-union_ea7a15f4-en.html
• An interactive dashboard highlighting key data from the report will also be launched 10 February.
• Questions and answers on the EU Safe Hearts Plan https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/da/qanda_25_3080

Agenda

Moderator/ Chair:  Francesca Colombo (Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, OECD)

 10.00 – 10.20

Opening remarks and key findings from the State of Cardiovascular Health in the European Union

• Oliver Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, European Commission
• Antonio Parenti, Director for Public health, Cancer and Health security, Health and Food Safety, European Commission
• Mark Pearson, Deputy Director, Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, OECD 

10.20 –10.30

Keynote

• Thomas Lindén, National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden

10.30 –11.15

Panel discussion 

Moderated by Francesca Colombo, Head, Health Division, OECD 

• Konstantina Boumaki, EPF Board member
• Héctor Bueno, Spanish Cardiovascular Health Strategy Development Committee 
• Benedetta Armocida, Coordinator of JACARDI 

11.15 – 11.30

Reactions to panel discussion and closing remarks

• Marianne Takki, DG Health and Food Safety, European Commission
• Francesca Colombo, Head, Health Division, OECD