Brussels, Belgium. Members of the European Parliament called for the European Union to place prevention at the centre of its health policy during an event organised by EPP MEP Michalis Hadjipantela in Brussels on July 1. The discussion focused on cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death in the EU.
Focus on prevention
According to European Commission data, cardiovascular diseases cause about 1.7 million deaths annually in the EU, with a total cost exceeding €280 billion each year through healthcare expenditure, reduced productivity and lost economic activity.
Policymakers said investment in prevention is one of the most effective long-term solutions as European health systems face increasing pressure.
Statements from participants
In his opening remarks, Hadjipantela said European policy must be forward-looking through a constructive and united effort.
President Nikos Christodoulides addressed participants through a recorded message. He said cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality in Cyprus and that strengthening prevention measures, expanding the use of digital solutions, and improving diagnosis and clinical practice could help the country find solutions. “We can provide forward-looking solutions,” he said.
Implementation gap
Participants highlighted a continuing gap between policymaking and implementation, describing it as a challenge facing the whole of Europe.
Pancyprian Medical Association President Dr Petros Agathangelou, who attended the event, said the prevention of sudden cardiac death cannot rely on isolated initiatives. It “requires a well-structured policy framework,” he said, adding that the association is ready to support such a framework.
Healthier Together initiative
The event drew on the European Commission’s “Healthier Together” initiative, which frames prevention around keeping people healthy rather than treating disease after it develops.
Dr Christina Kousparou said political will, vision and pan-European funding are needed to turn these initiatives into effective policies with tangible results.