Members of the European Parliament called for the EU 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 event focused on cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death in the EU.
According to data from the European Commission, cardiovascular diseases cause approximately 1.7 million deaths annually in the EU, with a total cost exceeding €280 billion a year through healthcare expenditure, reduced productivity and lost economic activity.
Policymakers said investing in prevention is one of the most effective long-term solutions as European health systems face increasing pressure.
In his opening remarks, Hadjipantela said European policy must be forward-looking through a constructive and united effort.
President Nikos Christodoulides addressed participants via 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.
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.
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.
Political will, vision and pan-European funding are now needed to turn these initiatives into effective policies with tangible results, according to Dr Christina Kousparou.
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