EU Cardiovascular Health Plan released (Dec 2025)

EANM welcomes the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan: A landmark for cardiovascular health in Europe

EANM applauds the publication of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, marking a historic milestone in the fight against Europe’s leading cause of death. For the first time, cardiovascular health takes centre stage in EU health policy, a goal long pursued by the cardiovascular health community.

A historic achievement for the cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects more than 62 million Europeans and costs €282 billion annually. Despite this enormous burden, CVD has often lacked visibility and prioritisation compared to other health challenges. Today’s announcement signals a decisive shift.

The Safe Hearts Plan, unveiled on December 16, 2025 by the European Commission, sets clear priorities:

• Strengthen prevention, including early risk stratification and lifestyle-focused initiatives
• Enhance early detection and screening, integrating modern diagnostic pathways
• Improve treatment access, care coordination, rehabilitation, and long-term patient support

This achievement reflects years of advocacy and collaboration. Yet major challenges persist, notably deep disparities across regions, genders, socioeconomic groups, and age groups. Addressing these gaps will require sustained European collaboration, investment, and innovation.

EANM’s perspective: Nuclear Medicine at the heart of innovation

EANM strongly supports the Plan and calls for the integration of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging into its implementation. These technologies are essential for:

• Precision prevention and early diagnosis through advanced imaging techniques such as PET/CT and SPECT/CT
• Comprehensive assessment of cardiac function, metabolism, and perfusion in a single exam
• Personalised treatment planning, improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary interventions

We strongly support the integration of nuclear cardiology into clinical guidelines, harmonised reimbursement frameworks, and dedicated EU research funding. These measures will ensure that patients across Europe benefit from innovative, evidence-based care. Especially, EANM welcomes the proposal for a Council recommendation on personalised treatment and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases, aiming at improve the quality and consistency of personalised and integrated care pathways for cardiovascular diseases and related conditions.

Looking ahead

This is not the end of the journey: it is the beginning. Implementation will require clear targets, coordinated actions, and long-term commitment, echoing the success of the EU Beating Cancer Plan. EANM stands ready to collaborate with policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to turn this vision into reality.

Together, we can transform cardiovascular care and save lives across Europe.

Published online: December 16, 2025.