Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for approximately 1.7 million deaths each year, affect around 62 million people, and generate economic costs exceeding EUR 282 billion annually. Early detection and prevention should be viewed as long term investments in health system sustainability. 

To effectively address this pressing burden, in December 2025 the European Commission launched the EU Safe Hearts Plan. The proposal for a Council Recommendation on health checks is a core component of the Safe Hearts Plan.

This is a golden opportunity to step up early detection, improve outcomes across the EU, and save costs for health systems and societies.