On October 14, 2025, stroke took center stage at the European Parliament in Brussels, where politicians, stroke survivors, medical professionals, researchers, stroke patient support organizations, and advocates gathered to call for urgent action to address the continuing inequalities in stroke prevention, treatment, and long-term care and support across Europe.
In its recent report on the state of neurology worldwide, the World Health Organization highlights that stroke is the most common neurological disease contributing to poor health globally. In Europe, more than 1.1 million people suffer a stroke each year, resulting in 460,000 deaths and leaving 10 million people with long-term consequences. Without reforms, the economic burden could reach €86 billion by 2040.
The event was hosted by MEPs Billy Keelher (Ireland) and Romana Jerkonich (Croatia), together with the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) and the European Stroke Organisation, who called for stroke to be included in the EU's cardiovascular health plan and broader brain health strategies, using the developed European Stroke Action Plan as a roadmap.
"Too many lives are cut short or changed forever because access to prevention, emergency treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term support depends on where you live in Europe," said Arlene Wilkie, Director General of SAFE.
Speakers at the event included Marian Taki (DG Sante), Kate de Biennacis (OECD), Professor Simona Sacco (ESO), and Associate Professor Melinda B. Roaldsen, a stroke survivor, who emphasized the need for coordinated EU action across Europe.
The message was clear: stroke can be prevented, treated, and survived—but only if Europe acts together.
Fortunately, this time, patient organizations were not just bystanders, but direct participants in the dialogue.
As Chair of the Board of the only stroke patient organization in Bulgaria, I had the honor and responsibility to represent the voice of Bulgarian stroke patients. Adequate and swift action is important for positive change.