Stroke Action Plan for Europe 2018-2030 (SAP-E): mid-term review and update

Implementation of the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (2018-2030) (SAP-E) was initiated in 2019. It is now updated at mid-term to reflect and respond to challenges for stroke care in Europe in 2025.

The SAP-E covers the entire chain of stroke care. The sections (state of the art, current status and targets) were developed by working groups and finalised based on inputs from the Interim Review Committee and an open online meeting. Targets for 2030 were updated to reflect current knowledge, to prioritise and to increase accountability.

All sections have been updated based on the newest evidence to reflect the state of the art and current status in 2025.

Stroke remains a significant health issue in Europe, with notable incidence and inequities in access to care. Key interventions are strongly evidence-based, cost-effective and supported by World Health Organization and European Union recommendations. Despite improvements, gaps remain across the care pathway but particularly in terms of access to stroke units, rehabilitation and follow-up. To control and reduce the burden of stroke, the main action points are: (1) national stroke plans, which encompass the entire chain of care and are reflected in reimbursement systems, (2) quality and outcome control, where impact is measured at both individual and health care system level, (3) robust and resilient health care organisation covering the entire chain of care that promotes equal access to sustainable, timely and evidence-based stroke care and (4) effective national strategies to promote and facilitate a healthy lifestyle and risk factor control.