The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety has launched a public consultation inviting citizens and stakeholders to contribute feedback on the development of the EU Protocol on health checks for cardiovascular diseases, one of the flagship initiatives under the Safe Hearts Plan.
The initiative aims to support the development of a common European approach to preventive health checks, focusing on early detection and improved management of cardiovascular diseases, as well as related conditions such as diabetes. The objective is to strengthen prevention across EU Member States and reduce inequalities in access to screening and healthcare.
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the European Union, accounting for approximately 1.7 million deaths each year.
Despite this, screening practices vary significantly across Member States, and many Europeans do not undergo regular preventive health checks.
According to European Commission data, fewer than half of Member States have systematic national cardiovascular screening programmes, and a significant share of adults of working age have not had their blood pressure checked within the past year.
The Commission highlights that earlier detection and timely intervention can significantly reduce the burden of disease and improve health outcomes. The initiative also aims to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes across different countries and population groups.
Citizens, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders are invited to share their views as part of the consultation process.
Deadline for feedback: 19 May 2026
24.04.2026.
