Public Advocacy Webinars on the Council Conclusions and the European Cardiovascular Health Plan

Join us for a series of upcoming webinars focused on advancing cardiovascular health in Europe.
These Public Advocacy Webinars will explore the Council Conclusions and the newly announced European Cardiovascular Health Plan.

Hosted by FH Europe Foundation on behalf of EACH - the European Cardiovascular Health Alliance in collaboration with other EACH Partners and the MEP CVH Group 

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in Europe, causing nearly 4 million deaths each year. Recognising the urgent need for action, the Council of the European Union adopted key conclusions on 3 December 2024, calling for stronger efforts in CVD prevention and management. 

The following day, the EU announced its intention to develop a European Cardiovascular Health Plan (CVH Plan)—a significant milestone for cardiovascular health across Europe. 

To help our community of patients, patient organisations, and the public understand and engage with these developments, FH Europe Foundation, on behalf of EACH (the European Cardiovascular Health Alliance), is launching a series of public advocacy webinars. These sessions will provide clear and accessible explanations of: 

1. What the Council Conclusions are, how they are created, and how they can be leveraged.
2. What the European Cardiovascular Health Plan is, and why it matters. 
3. Why national-level support is critical for implementing these policies effectively. 
4. The role of patients and citizens in engaging policymakers, MEPs, and national governments to shape cardiovascular health efforts in their countries and across the EU. 

These interactive webinars will feature high-profile speakers, including Ms. Kitti Almer, Public Health Attaché, Permanent Representation of Hungary to the European Union, who chaired the Council Conclusions group, as well as representatives from EACH, patient groups, and potentially Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). 

The series aims to: 

• Demystify the Council Conclusions: Explain their purpose, how they are drafted, and how they influence EU health policy. 
• Clarify the European Cardiovascular Health Plan: Provide an early understanding of its goals and expected impact. 
• Show the importance of national-level engagement: Highlight why EU-level policies must be translated into national action. 
• Empower patients and citizens: Equip participants with knowledge and tools to advocate for CVD policy improvements. 
• Activate patient organisations: Encourage national and local groups to mobilise their communities in support of cardiovascular health policies. 
• Engage policymakers and MEPs: Strengthen connections between citizens, health advocates, and decision-makers. 

Save the dates:  

• May 8, 2025 Webinar 1 
• May 30, 2025 Webinar 2 
• June 19,  2025 Webinar 3 

Duration: 45 minutes, including 15 minutes for Q&A. 

Language & Accessibility: English with the possibility of local-language spin-offs. 

Webinar 1: Understanding the Council Conclusions & Their Role 

The Council Conclusions represent the official position of EU member states on cardiovascular health. They are not laws but set the political direction for future policies, funding, and national implementation. 

 Key topics covered in the 3 December 2024 Council Conclusions: 

• The need for stronger prevention strategies. 
• Calls for equitable access to CVD care across EU member states. 
• The importance of better data collection and research on cardiovascular health. 
• The financial and social impact of cardiovascular diseases. 

The Link to the European Cardiovascular Health Plan 

Following the adoption of the Council Conclusions, the EU announced the creation of a European Cardiovascular Health Plan—a major step forward. 

• What will it contain? 
• How will it be developed? 
• Why is it important for patients and advocates to engage now? 

This webinar will answer these questions and explain how individuals and organisations can influence the process. 

Webinar 2: Why National-Level Support is Crucial 

While the EU provides policy guidance, real change happens at the national level. Each country must adapt EU recommendations into their healthcare systems. 

• Governments need to prioritise cardiovascular health in their budgets and policies. 
• Policymakers must be held accountable to implement the Council Conclusions. 
• Patients and advocates have a role in ensuring action on the ground. 

 Webinar 3: The Role of Patients & Citizens in Shaping Policy 

Advocacy is most effective when patients and citizens actively engage in policymaking. The webinar will provide: 

• Clear strategies for engaging national governments. 
• Tools for reaching out to MEPs and policymakers. 
• Examples of successful advocacy, such as direct interaction with EU policymakers (e.g., Strasbourg case study). 
• Participants will leave the session with practical actions they can take to influence cardiovascular health policy in their own countries. 

Be part of the movement for better cardiovascular health in Europe.
These webinars are more than learning opportunities — they’re a call to action. Whether you’re a patient, an advocate, a healthcare professional, or simply passionate about heart health, your voice matters.

🗓️ Save the dates and stay tuned — registration opens soon!