Brussels, 20 April 2026 - The European cardiovascular health and cancer communities have issued a strong appeal to the EU Heads of State and Government to make health investment a sustained priority ahead of their European Council (EUCO) Summit on 23–24 April. 

The joint statement, signed by the European Alliance on Cardiovascular Health (EACH) and the European Cancer Organisation (ECO), calls for health to remain effectively protected and adequately funded within the future European Competitiveness Fund as part of the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. 

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the European Union. Together, they are responsible for nine million diagnoses and almost three million deaths each year. Beyond the profound human toll, these conditions cost the EU close to €500 billion annually [1], driving up avoidable healthcare costs, reducing workforce productivity, and adding pressures on social systems.  

The time for political action is now  

EU citizens have consistently placed public health among their biggest concerns and ranked it at the top of their priorities for the EU budget in the latest Eurobarometer edition [2]. Members of the European Parliament have also given overwhelming support for a dedicated EU health programme within the proposed budget [3]. However, health is not yet treated as the political priority it must be—despite its scale, cost and impact. It is now up to EU Heads of State and Government to translate this ambition into concrete investments and policy commitments. 

If Europe is to remain resilient in the face of geopolitical instability, economic pressure, and future health crises and a leader in science and innovation, it must significantly scale up investment in cardiovascular and cancer care and research, two areas representing the highest disease burden and among the most vulnerable to disruption when health systems come under strain. 

The joint statement calls on EU Heads of State and Government to: 

  • Ensure that health remains a standalone priority with sufficient, dedicated, and ringfenced funding 
  • Safeguard the visibility, predictability and scale of EU investment in health within the European Competitiveness Fund  
  • Support the full implementation of both the EU Safe Hearts Plan and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan throughout the full period of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-34
  • Recognise health as a strategic driver of European competitiveness, particularly in life sciences, medical technologies, and digital health 
  • Strengthen the resilience and crisis preparedness of health systems in the face of geopolitical challenges and future shocks

Professor Thomas F. Lüscher, President of the European Society of Cardiology and representative of EACH said: “Cardiovascular health is the foundation on which broader population health, economic resilience and societal stability are built. Only by investing in prevention, care and innovative research can we reduce unnecessary suffering and long-term costs, strengthen productivity, and enable Europe to better withstand future challenges and threats. Health policy must be recognised as an essential component of Europe’s competitiveness strategy."
 
Dr Isabel Rubio, President of the European Cancer Organisation said: "We have made real progress in Europe, but without sustained political commitment and investment, that progress is at risk. As a cancer surgeon, I see how this disease affects not only patients, but families and entire communities. At this critical moment, EU leaders must recognise that strengthening our health systems is not optional; it is essential to saving lives and securing Europe’s future."