Jun 17, 2026
We are pleased to announce that abstract submissions for the European Life After Stroke Forum in Kraków are live.
We are seeking abstracts in three categories:
- Scientific – for completed or ongoing research focussed on life after stroke.
- Service development – for innovative service developments in life after stroke that could benefit others.
- Lived experience – for stroke survivors and those who have supported a loved one through stroke to share their experiences in creating change.
The European Life After Stroke Forum is home to Europe’s biggest life after stroke community, where healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers and those affected by stroke come together to share knowledge, network and advance the challenges in life after stroke. Our 2027 programme will span the latest research, best practice and shared insights, with the voices of people with lived experience at its heart.
For more information or to submit an abstract, please click here.
Jun 4, 2026
A key component is the development of an EU approach to cardiovascular disease (CVD) health checks, aiming to support early identification of at-risk populations, including those with lifestyle risk factors, family history and interconnected conditions.
In April 2026, the Commission launched a Call for Evidence on CVD health checks to inform a future Council Recommendation on early detection and screening. SAFE supported the submission of the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health and also provided a complementary submission.
May 22, 2026
Joint statement from the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) and the European Stroke Organisation (ESO)
We warmly welcome the adoption of the WHO resolution on stroke at the World Health Assembly. This landmark decision represents a long-overdue recognition of stroke as a global health priority, and a major driver of death and disability worldwide.
“For Europe, this moment is particularly significant. Stroke remains one of the leading causes of mortality and adult disability across the region, placing a profound burden on individuals, families, healthcare systems and economies. The WHO resolution sends a strong, unified signal that urgent and coordinated action is needed.” Arlene Wilkie, Director Geneal, Stroke Alliance for Europe.
The Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E), led by SAFE and ESO, provides a clear and evidence-based roadmap to reduce the burden of stroke by 2030. Its ambitions – including reducing stroke incidence, improving access to acute stroke care, ensuring equitable rehabilitation and strengthening prevention – are directly aligned with the objectives of the new WHO resolution.
However, adoption alone is not enough. The real impact of this resolution will depend on how it is translated into action at national level.
We therefore call on governments across Europe to:
- Prioritise stroke within national health agendas, recognising its significant human and economic impact
- Develop and implement fully funded national stroke plans, aligned with the Stroke Action Plan for Europe
- Have stronger emphasis on primary prevention of stroke, including risk‑factor management and public awareness
- Make clear commitments to ensuring that all stroke patients have access to dedicated and properly staffed stroke units
- Develop measurable targets for equitable access to acute stroke treatments
- Implement dedicated secondary prevention and follow-up
- Increase and sustain investment in rehabilitation, early supported discharge and community‑based services
- Implement a long‑term, person‑led approach to life after stroke, including structured follow‑up, social participation and quality‑of‑life support
- Develop robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track stroke-specific outcomes and reduce geographical and socioeconomic inequalities
- Increase investment in high‑quality, collaborative research across the entire stroke pathway, from prevention and acute treatment to rehabilitation and long‑term support, to strengthen evidence, drive innovation and reduce inequalities across Europe
“This is a pivotal opportunity to transform stroke care and outcomes across Europe. SAFE and ESO will work with governments, clinicians, patient communities and policymakers in turning this global commitment into tangible progress. Together, we can reduce the burden of stroke and improve the lives of millions of people across Europe.” Professor Simona Sacco, Past President, European Stroke Organisation.
Click here for more information
May 21, 2026
We are pleased to announce that the fifth in-person European Life After Stroke Forum (ELASF) will take place in Kraków, Poland on 8-9 March 2027.
The ELASF is a unique event where healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers and those affected by stroke come together to advance our understanding of life after stroke. Bringing the European stroke community under one roof, our programme spans the latest research, innovative service development and shared insights, working collectively to improve care and support across Europe.
To stay up to date with all the latest news on ELASF 2027, including registration and our call for abstracts, sign up to the ELASF newsletter.
We look forward to welcoming you to Kraków!
May 19, 2026
Thank you to all those that came to the European Life After Stroke Forum in Stockholm on the 9-10 March. We are delighted to have so many from the Stroke Community come together to continue to improve Life After Stroke. If you were not able to join us in Stockholm or would like to re-visit the best moments, we have included the links to the post-event materials below.
Event presentations
Event programme
Scientific and service development abstract book
Lived experience abstract book
Lived experience posters
Event report
Photo gallery
