This high-level Ministerial conference is proposed as a dynamic forum that will bring Member States together to drive forward innovative, evidence-based approaches for prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Aligned with Ireland's Presidency priorities, the aim is to promote a proactive approach to population health across the EU, focusing on equitable access and innovation for preventative care. This event will convene politicians, policymakers, researchers, civil society, clinicians, patients and advocates to collaborate for a healthier, more equitable future for health and wellbeing across the EU.
As health systems across Europe embrace a transformative era, targeted investment is required to enable technological progress and respond to shifting population needs, while renewing the commitment to fairness and wellbeing for all. Population health is being reshaped by powerful and interconnected macro trends from geopolitical instability, climate change to changing demographics and rapidly increasing chronic disease.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, mental disorders, neurological disorders, or cancer are responsible for 80% of the disease burden in EU countries and the leading causes of avoidable premature deaths. The human and financial costs of NCDs are too high and considering the EU’s ageing population, now is the time to focus on prevention and on population health as a key enabler for EU competitiveness. We know that reducing the burden of NCDs requires a holistic approach that includes tackling health inequalities.
The Safe Hearts Plan, unveiled by the European Commission in December 2025, is the first ever EU approach to tackling cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death in Europe. Prevention of NCDs is the focus of this event with cardiovascular disease as a central to that core focus. Through keynote dialogues, interactive Ministerial panel sessions, cross‑sector collaboration and multiple breakout discussions, we will examine the opportunities and challenges shaping prevention health across Europe.
This conference is dedicated to strengthening prevention, advancing innovative solutions that improve outcomes, and ensuring that progress benefits everyone. NCDs and important topics such as tobacco, food, vaccines, gender-specific issues and screening will be explored while looking at technology and innovation to reduce the burden, support health equity and strengthen health systems to unlock Europe’s full potential for NCD prevention.