The European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) has recognised the importance of advocating for improved infrastructure and access to ACHD care and education within Europe, including active participation of the Central and Southeastern European region on the global European stage.

ACHD care is still challenged by limited financial resources, insufficient staff, and reimbursement caps on essential procedures in this region compared to Western Europe. As part of the ongoing effort, a Central and Southeastern European (CESEE) Study Group was formed in 2018 with the aim of reporting on the current situation, needs, and opportunities for ACHD in each CESEE country and within the region.

The group aims to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, and government bodies about the growing ACHD population. It also highlights the need for further investment in CESEE to create a clear roadmap for ACHD care, training and education. The group strives to collaborate with ACHD representatives from all CESEE countries and welcomes colleagues interested in the field to foster networking, collaboration, and both clinical and academic development. The group works in collaboration with the ESC Working Group on ACHD with the shared goal of improving ACHD care in Europe and beyond.

Current CESEE ACHD Study Group:

Margarita Brida (Croatia, Rijeka/UK, London) – Chair
Iveta Simkova (Slovakia, Bratislava) - Past Chair
Agnese Strenge (Latvia, Riga) - Secretary contact
Katja Prokselj (Slovenia, Ljubljana) - WG ACHD Nucleus member

Tamara Kovacevic Preradovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Banja Luka)
Pencho Kratunkov (Bulgaria, Sofia)
Anna Kaneva (Bulgaria, Sofia)
Irena Ivanac-Vranesic (Croatia, Zagreb)
Željko Đurić (Croatia, Zagreb)
Petra Antonova (Czech Republic, Prague)
Maarja Maser (Estonia, Tartu)
Raili Tagen (Estonia, Tartu)
Hajnalka Olga Balint (Hungary, Budapest)
Lina Gumbiene (Lithuania,Vilnius)
Elena Panfile (Moldava, Chisinau)
Elisabeta Srbinovska (North Macedonia, Skopje)
Monika Komar (Poland, Krakow)
Magdalena Lipczynska (Poland, Warsaw)
Roxana Enache (Romania, Bucharest)
Ioan Mircea Coman (Romania, Bucharest)
Aleksandra Nikolic (Serbia, Beograd)
Ihor H. Lebid (Ukraine, Kyiv)

Academic output: