Sep 23, 2024
We are delighted to let you know that the General Assembly in June elected Hariklia Proios as our President for a second term. Hrvoje Jurlina was elected as our new Vice President. Congratulations!
Read what their ambitions are for the coming years.
Hariklia Proios, SAFE President
What is your background?
I’ve spent the last 25 years of my life working to support people affected by stroke, something that has taken me across both the U.S. and Europe. My background is in speech-language, and I am a professor at the University of Macedonia and recently I am also at the CSD department at Adelphi University in New York.
The most rewarding part has been creating and running support groups wherever I go. It’s been such a privilege to work with people from all walks of life, helping them navigate the challenges that come with life after a stroke. I’ve also had the honour of serving as President of SAFE for the past three years. Working with our incredible team to advocate for stroke survivors has been a really rewarding experience.
What is your vision for the future of SAFE?
Looking ahead, my vision for SAFE is simple: I want to keep fighting for stroke survivors. My goal is to ensure that no matter where they live or what resources they have, every stroke survivor gets the care, support and respect they deserve. The disparities in stroke care across different European countries are heartbreaking – some places provide incredible support, while in others, people are left to navigate recovery on their own. That’s something I’m determined to work to change.
We have already made great strides towards this with our work on the Stroke Action Plan for Europe and our Life After Stroke Forum. In the next chapter, we need to build on this work with our member stroke support organisations, working together to deliver campaigns, advocacy, research and raising awareness.
Hrvoje Jurlina, SAFE Vice President
What is your background?
I am a doctor of Family Medicine at a Community Health Centre in Zagreb. My professional journey took a profound turn ten years ago when, at the age of 39, I experienced a stroke at work. That moment became a catalyst for my commitment to improving the needs of stroke survivors, as well as the needs of their families and caregivers.
Five years later, my father suffered a massive stroke and I became his primary caregiver until his passing ten months later. This experience reshaped my perspective on stroke, not just as a survivor, but as someone who intimately understands the emotional, physical and logistical challenges faced by caregivers.
I was recently appointed as Vice President of SAFE and serve as Second Vice President of the Croatian Stroke Society. These roles allow me to merge my personal experiences with my professional expertise, offering a unique, three-dimensional perspective on stroke care and advocacy.
What is your vision for the future of SAFE?
My vision for the future of SAFE is to continue being the strong voice for stroke survivors, advocating for improvements within healthcare systems to ensure comprehensive recovery. We aim to educate about care options and empower stroke survivors and their families by advocating for their rights. SAFE holds a unique position with our ability to unite all the key players, healthcare providers, social services, patient advocate groups, and the families of stroke survivors, into a coordinated and collaborative approach to post-stroke care. I believe that with continued advocacy and collaboration, we can create a healthcare environment that supports stroke survivors through every stage of recovery, offering them not just survival, but a meaningful quality of life.
Oct 21, 2020
Dear Friends,
We are in very difficult times. We have never seen a pandemic like this affecting our everyday lives. I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well. We want to let you know that SAFE is here for you and continuing to work despite all the problems around.
While COVID 19 is at the forefront of our thinking, stroke still exists. We know that many of you will be at the front line of services and will be seeing the impact of COVID on individuals who have suffered from stroke. We want to hear from you, we want to know what is happening to stroke survivors in your country, we want to know what is happening to your stroke support organisations and we want to know your ideas as to how we can help.
In addition to finding out how COVID 19 is affecting you and your country, SAFE has adapted its work for 2020. Unfortunately, we have not been able to meet with our members through our usual regional meetings, but we have managed to been up, virtually, June and we will again in November. We have delayed the launch of our economic burden of stroke report until November year. The SAFE General Assembly will be held in November this year and we will do this virtually as we are not able to gather you together for a face to face meeting. I am also excited to let you know that that our first European life after stroke forum is going virtual! The date of 12 March 2021 remains the same and we will share more information with you over the coming months. We will fund one representative from your SSO, and one therapist or nurse from your country. The conference will also be open generally to delegates interested in improving life after stroke services. More information, please click here.
What is happening in the world is a lot for everyone to take in just now, and everyone is having to rapidly adapt their lives on a daily basis. I would like to thank all of you for all the exceptional work you are doing. Please continue to keep well and be safe, do what you can to ensure the survival and sustainability of your stroke support organisation, and we hope to hear from you soon.
With best wishes,
Jon Barrick
President
On behalf of the Board of SAFE
Feb 20, 2020
Life after stroke is a key priority within SAFE’s strategy. It is our pleasure to share with you the date of the first European Life After Stroke Forum – the 19 November 2020 in Barcelona, Spain.
This first European Life After Stroke Forum is driven by the need to implement the Stroke Action Plan for Europe and to create a network of stakeholders involved in professionally researching, advocating and providing evidence for improved life after stroke care.
SAVE THE DATE – EUROPEAN LIFE AFTER STROKE FORUM, 19 NOVEMBER 2020, BARCELONA, SPAIN
We hope we could get you to support the European Life After Stroke Forum by sharing this information with people you know.
When? 19 November 2020
Where? Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza, Barcelona, Spain
Who can attend? Organisations and individuals who operate in the life after stroke area and are research, policy, advocacy or support oriented.
How to register? The registration link will be available soon. Stay tuned!
Please put this date in your calendar and stay tuned for more information that will follow.
We hope to welcome you to Barcelona,
SAFE team
Jan 5, 2020
You can access and download the SAFE Annual Report by clicking on this button below
SAFE Annual Report 2019
In addition, please see below the message of the President of SAFE, Jon Barrick:
This has been a busy and exciting year for our organisation, especially in terms of advocating on pan-European level. We have continued work around the Stroke Action Plan for Europe, forming an implementation committee with the European Stroke Organisation. We held a seminal event at the EU Parliament raising the profile of stroke more than ever before, engaging with the Deputy Director General of the EU’s DG Sante and the EU Committee of the Regions. Through our funding of Oxford University’s project on the economic impact of stroke, we have produced up to date and compelling evidence about the cost of stroke in Europe. With all this accomplished, we continue to press ahead, as we have now completed the third and final year of the research which will provide us with vital European and country specific data on the future economic impact of stroke and power of interventions. The Economic Impact of Stroke in Europe report will be launched in full at the Joint World Stroke Organisation/European Stroke Organisation conference in Vienna in May 2020.
We have continued with the Angels project to produce vital information booklets on stroke to distribute to patients and families while in hospital. We have provided this information in 15 different languages to ensure that more people across Europe can use our materials to improve the lives of stroke survivors.
We continue our educational work with those who wish to understand stroke support organisations and become advocates for better care through our online teaching and learning tool SSOFT, and our regional and working conferences. A particular highlight for me in 2019 was the concrete evidence of the value of our partnership orientation, our Industry partners have been very supportive again, our outreach to ESO has been reciprocated, and we continue to see the number of SSO’s grow, and then become members of SAFE. Yet again we go into a new year with record membership which bodes well for the future.
As SAFE goes from strength to strength in activities to reduce the number and effects of strokes, the Board must also ensure the long-term sustainability of SAFE. The Board has achieved much of its work through dedicated voluntary time but has recognised that this needs to be added to by full
time paid staff. The Board agreed that SAFE required more permanent leadership to drive forward and to achieve our goals. I am delighted to let you know that we recruited our first Director General this year and I know you will all join me in welcoming Arlene Wilkie into the SAFE family.
In 2019, we have been able to deliver many significant achievements because of our close working community. I would like to thank those that have worked with and for SAFE this year, and to the members and sponsors who have supported us practically and financially. This next year is my last as President and I am looking forward to ensuring we have a solid 2020 of achievement to strengthen the long-term sustainability of all stroke support organisations in Europe.
Jon Barrick
SAFE President
Aug 23, 2019
SAFE is very pleased to announce the new Director General, Arlene Wilkie, commenced in post on the 12th August, leading and overseeing the delivery of all SAFE activity and projects, working with our existing experienced team of Jelena Misita, Communications Manager, Gary Randall, SAFE European Research Officer, Lucinda Shaw, Partnerships Manager and Sandra Jackson, Secretariat.
Arlene Wilkie, SAFE Director General
Arlene Wilkie, the new Director General, comes with a wealth of experience and expertise, derived from a variety of organisations and roles over the last twenty years in the healthcare sector, primarily in patient focused organisations. These include Director of Research and Policy at Breast Cancer Campaign, Chief Executive of the Neurological Alliance (a membership organisation of 70 neurological organisations in England), Chief Executive of The Migraine Trust, and Interim Director of Services and Influencing at the Brain Tumour Charity UK.
“I am so pleased to have joined SAFE. In the brief time I have been within here I have been so impressed by the passion of the staff and the board, and their determination to see a reduction in the number of strokes in Europe and the impact they have on peoples lives. I will strive to raise the profile of stroke and stroke survivors and ensure all is done to achieve the stroke action plan for Europe. I am also really looking forward to getting to know and working with all our supporters and members.” said Arlene.
One of Arlene’s great strengths is alliance building, particularly around policy development and implementation, and in her role she will be co-chairing the implementation committee of the Stroke Action Plan for Europe, and playing a leading role in our partnership group. Arlene can be contacted at arlene.wilkie@safestroke.eu
“SAFE has been through a very thorough recruitment process, and from over 130 initial candidates we are thrilled that Arlene has agreed to join us. Her track record is very impressive and over the next few years with the need to ensure sustainability of SAFE whilst pursuing important objectives such as the Stroke Action Plan for Europe and the strengthening of stroke associations in each country of Europe we know we will benefit from her leadership. The appointment of a Director General is a bold step and demonstrates SAFE’s belief that stroke care and the needs of stroke survivors must be pushed higher up the agenda.” stressed Jon Barrick, SAFE President.
Feb 13, 2018
Written by Sarah Belson, published on worldstrokeorganization.blogspot.com
We want to make sure that the voices of people affected by stroke are heard throughout the Congress in an exhibition of stroke survivor, family and caregiver testimonials.
The 11th World Stroke Congress will focus on the latest developments in stroke prevention, acute management and restorative care after stroke. Reducing the burden of stroke on people with lived experience and their family and care givers drives everything the World Stroke Organization does.
In previous years the visibility of people with lived experience of stroke has been promoted through art exhibitions, both physical and online, and a hobbies ebook. (more…)
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
May 12, 2026
Europe’s stroke care shows real progress, but gaps and inequality demand urgent action
Brussels, 12 May 2026. New data released today from the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E) Stroke Service Tracker (SST) provides the clearest picture yet of stroke care across Europe. Drawing from data from 49 countries, the findings confirm real progress in some critical areas but also reveal gaps in access to care, major weaknesses in quality data, and a geographic divide that leave many people without the care and support they need.
Stroke is still one of Europe’s biggest killers and causes of disability, with more than 1.1 million strokes each year, causing around 460,000 deaths. Nearly 10 million people are living with the long-term consequences of stroke. Stroke care costs EU countries an estimated €60 billion a year, a figure projected to rise to €86 billion by 2040 unless governments act now and investment in research, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term support.
The recently updated SAP-E 2018-2030 and a supporting set of key performance indicators now tracked through the SST, sets out how countries can strengthen stroke services, measure progress and accelerate improvement across the whole pathway of care so that where someone lives no longer determines whether they survive stroke or live well after it
The latest 2024 SST data highlights persistent inequities in stroke care across Europe, with many Southern and Eastern European countries lagging behind. While some countries deliver strong results through effective organisation and evidence-based care, major gaps remain. Missing or low-quality data is also a serious concern, as they can often signal weaker care systems, making it harder to see the true scale of the challenge. Strong national stroke registries are essential to enable improvement and accountability.
Where Europe is doing well:
| 1. Primary prevention plans |
in 29 countries (up from 24 in 2023) |
| 2. Treatment with mechanical thrombectomy |
is provided to a mean of 7.3% of eligible stroke survivors, meeting the SAP-E target of at least 7.5% |
| 3. Early rehabilitation |
is available in at least 90% of stroke units in 31 countries (up from 24 in 2023) |
| 4. Early supported discharge |
is available in 11 countries (up from 7 in 2023) |
Where Europe needs to improve:
| 1. Every country has a national stroke plan |
established in 20 countries (unchanged from 2023) |
| 2. Stroke unit admission for 90% of people with stroke |
9 countries (mean rate 68%, unchanged from 2023) |
| 3. Timely access to treatment after a stroke is essential for good recovery |
| Stroke unit access for 90% of people with stroke within 24 hours of hospital arrival |
3 countries |
| Treatment with intravenous thrombolysis for 20% of eligible patients |
7 countries (mean rate 14%, down from 15.4% in 2023). |
| Receiving treatment within 30 minutes of hospital arrival |
mean time is 43.9 minutes (range 20–94 minutes |
| Starting clot removal treatment within 60 minutes of hospital arrival |
mean time is 94.6 minutes (range 19–303 minutes) |
| 4. Gaps in secondary prevention and follow-up are leaving survivors at risk of a second stroke – the mean recurrent stroke rate is 16%, meaning one in six survivors may have another stroke |
| Receiving secondary prevention information |
Data on this is missing or of low quality from nearly half of all countries |
| Receiving a transition and rehabilitation plan |
13 countries, mean 71% (range 19-95%) |
| Having a structured follow up at 3-6 months |
21 countries, reaching only 52% of patients on average (range 5-95%). |
| Use of a post stroke check list: |
16 countries, mean 37% (range 0-85.1%) |
“The 2024 data show progress is possible, but too many countries are still falling behind on stroke unit care and follow-up. With stroke survivors at high risk of having another stroke, we must also put secondary prevention and follow up firmly on the agenda. With six years to the SAP‑E 2030 deadline, every country must use the SST data to identify gaps and take targeted action to deliver timely, equitable, high-quality stroke care.”
Professor Hanne Christensen, Past Chair of the Stroke Action Plan for Europe
“Behind every statistic is a person and too many people affected by stroke still can’t access the right care. The gap in stroke unit care, rehabilitation and follow-up is unacceptable. We urge governments and health systems to act on these data now.”
Arlene Wilkie, Director General, Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE)
“The Stroke Action Plan for Europe gives all European countries the tools to improve stroke care. The latest data show we are moving in the right direction in some areas, but we still have a long way to go. We urge every country to harness the power of the SST data and take decisive steps to close the gap between the best and the rest.”
Dr Francesca Romana Pezzella, Chair, Stroke Action Plan for Europe
Click to view the Stroke Service Tracker
About the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E) – Stroke Action Plan for Europe 2028-2030: mid-term review and update
To reduce the burden of stroke and address its long-term consequences, the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) and the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) published the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E) 2018-2030. In consultation with 70 experts who reviewed the best practice evidence and current state of stroke care, the plan sets out targets and recommendations across the whole care pathway that countries and healthcare systems across Europe can implement by 2030. The SAP-E focuses on seven domains: primary prevention, organisation of stroke care, acute stroke care, secondary prevention, rehabilitation, evaluation of outcomes, and life after stroke.
The SAP-E’s four overarching targets for 2030:
- Reduce the age-standardised incidence of stroke by 15% from 2020 to 2030
- Treat 90% or more of all stroke patients in a dedicated stroke unit as the first level of care
- Have national plans for stroke incorporating the whole chain of care from primary prevention through to life after stroke
- Fully implement national strategies for multi-sector public health interventions to promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce environmental, socio-economic and educational risk factors for stroke
References
SST data in detail
Growing momentum in prevention and patient involvement, but national planning has stalled
There is a notable increase in the number of countries that have implemented plans for primary prevention. Twenty-nine out of 49 countries now have an established primary prevention plan, up from 24 in 2023, and stroke support organisation (SSO) involvement has grown to 31 countries, up from 29. For the first time, the SST also tracks two new indicators: 10 countries now have a brain health plan, and 17 countries have established opportunistic screening systems for individual stroke risk factors such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation and hyperlipidaemia.
However, the number of countries with a confirmed national stroke plan has not increased from 2023 to 2024, remaining at 20 countries (41%). While 22 more countries report that work is ongoing, 7 countries have not yet begun. There are also continuing gaps in quality and auditing programmes, which remain established in hospital settings in only 20 countries and in just 8 countries in other settings such as rehabilitation institutions.
Access to stroke unit care remains a concern, with no improvement from last year
Based on the 40 countries that can provide data on stroke unit admissions, the European mean rate was 68% in 2024, unchanged from 2023 and well below the SAP-E target of 90%. Just nine countries are meeting that target, while some are admitting fewer than 5% of patients to a stroke unit. Rates are higher in some countries in Western Europe (Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Netherlands) and in Northern Europe as a general finding.
Stroke unit care is highly time sensitive. Twenty-nine countries can provide information on the timing of admission, but only 3 countries can confirm that 90% of patients arrive in a stroke unit within 24 hours of hospital arrival. This is one of the most fundamental targets in the SAP-E and the lack of progress here is a serious concern.
Impressive thrombectomy results, but thrombolysis rates require attention
To restore blood flow to the brain thrombolysis (a clot-busting drug) and thrombectomy (to physically removing the clot) should be available and quickly used.
Results from 2024 on mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are impressive: 24 countries have met the SAP-E KPI of providing the treatment to at least 7.5% of all patients with ischaemic stroke, with a European mean of 7.3%. This represents significant year-on-year progress and reflects sustained investment in specialist centres and clinical networks across the continent. However, the geographic variation is stark. Virtually all countries in Northern and Western Europe, except Iceland, Latvia and the UK nations, are now meeting the thrombectomy target. In Southern Europe, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia med the benchmark, however, only Spain based on high quality data. In Eastern Europe, only Czechia and Slovakia have done so.
The European mean rate of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) has fallen slightly, from 15.4% in 2023 to 14% in 2024. 7 countries are meeting the target of 20%.
As adequate access to both IVT and MT is essential to ensure optimal treatment, it is important to monitor IVT rates closely, though this change may reflect year-on-year variation or an evolving clinical pathway in which more patients access thrombectomy directly.
Treatment times also vary considerably across Europe. The mean time between a patient arriving in hospital and receiving treatment (door-to-needle) is 43.9 minutes (country range is 20 to 94 minutes) well above the 30-minute target. The mean the time between a patient arriving at hospital and starting a clot removal procedure (door-to-groin) is 94.6 minutes (range 19 to 303 minutes), well above the 60-minute target.
Gaps in secondary prevention and follow-up are leaving survivors at risk of a second stroke
It is challenging to draw firm conclusions from the secondary prevention data due to low data quality and the fact that many countries cannot provide figures, with data missing from between 41% and 50% of countries depending on the measure. It is likely that the available data overestimate actual access to secondary prevention across Europe.
The consequences are visible. The European mean recurrent stroke rate, based on 25 countries, is 16%, meaning one in six stroke survivors may go on to have another stroke. Systematic follow-up programmes, supported by digital tools to monitor medication adherence, represent a significant and largely untapped opportunity to reduce this risk.
Early rehabilitation is improving, but recovery after discharge remains poorly supported
Access to early rehabilitation in stroke units has improved: 31 countries (79.5%) now ensure this is available in at least 90% of their stroke units, compared to 24 in 2023. Access to early supported discharge has also grown, rising from 7 to 11 countries. This improvement in early rehabilitation is a positive development.
However, rehabilitation must continue after discharge for a large proportion of patients. Data on sector transition and rehabilitation plans, which is essential for continued recovery, are available from only 13 countries, with 75% of data missing. Among those that could report, 71% of patients received a plan. The wide range across those countries (19-95%) suggests significant variation in practice, and much remains to be done.
Follow-up after stroke is offered by too few countries and reaches too few patients
Follow-up at 3 to 6 months after stroke is reported by 21 countries (less than 40%), and those that do offer it are reaching a mean of only 52% of their patients, but this ranges from 5-95%. Only 16 countries report using a structured post-stroke checklist, a mean of only 37% of patients (the range is 0-85.1%). Systematic follow-up programmes could significantly improve adherence to secondary prevention and thereby reduce the risk of recurrent strokes and support the overall recovery after stroke.
The death rate within 30 days of having a stroke is broadly acceptable but varies significantly between European countries
Across Europe, 30-day survival rates are broadly acceptable: around 87 in 100 survive any type of stroke, 89 in 100 survive ischaemic stroke, and 70 in 100 survive intracerebral haemorrhage (bleeding in the brain).
However, the variation between countries is significant. Higher fatality may reflect more severe cases, greater comorbidity or frailty, as well as lower quality of care, particularly where early complications such as infections and pulmonary embolisms are not prevented. It is also worth noting that very low mortality rates may reflect a failure to admit the most severe or frailest patients through the stroke pathway. This complexity underlines why short-term mortality data must be tracked consistently across all countries.
Mar 31, 2026
The Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E) has been featured in The Lancet Neurology, underscoring the growing international recognition of the SAP-E and the urgency of addressing stroke as a major public health challenge.
The article highlights that stroke is still one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. Stroke Services Tracker data from 2023 shows it still has a huge impact on people’s health and quality of life. While the chances of dying from a stroke or living with severe disability after one are improving, the total number of people having strokes is increasing as populations grow and people live longer.
Across Europe, there are still big differences in the care people receive after a stroke. Access to specialist stroke units, emergency treatments and rehabilitation services varies widely between countries. These gaps in care mean that outcomes can differ significantly between countries and regions, including a person’s chances of survival and recovery.
The recently updated SAP-E sets out a comprehensive roadmap to address these challenges, with ambitious targets for 2030. These include reducing stroke incidence, ensuring that patients receive care in dedicated stroke units as well as strengthening prevention, treatment and long-term support.
The Lancet Neurology feature highlights both progress and gaps, noting improvements in national stroke planning alongside ongoing challenges in implementation and resourcing. It calls for stronger monitoring, accountability and investment to ensure that evidence-based strategies are translated into practice.
The inclusion of SAP-E in The Lancet Neurology reflects the increasing global attention on stroke research, prevention and care, and reinforces the importance of coordinated action to reduce the burden of stroke across Europe and beyond.
Click to read
Mar 26, 2026
Comhghairdeas!
Ireland has become the 16th country to endorse the Stroke Action Plan for Europe (SAP-E) Declaration, marking a significant step forward in strengthening stroke research, prevention, care and support in the country.
By signing the Declaration, the Irish government formally recognises stroke as a leading cause of premature death and long-term disability. The commitment aligns Ireland with European and global efforts to reduce the burden of stroke
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, confirmed the signing and announced plans to develop a new National Stroke Strategy. The strategy will be shaped in consultation with patients, clinicians, researchers and policymakers, and will align closely with SAP-E priorities.
The recently updated SAP-E sets out ambitious targets for 2030, including reducing stroke incidence, improving access to specialist stroke care, and strengthening rehabilitation and long-term support, and research priorities.
Clinical and patient advocacy leaders, including our member the Irish Heart Foundation, have described the signing as a “major milestone,” highlighting its potential to reduce death and disability while improving quality of life for those affected by stroke.
Read more
Irish Heart Foundation
Press release from Irish Department of Health
Stroke Action Plan for Europe
Mar 24, 2026
At ESOC 2026, a dedicated programme for Nurses and AHPs will explore the latest evidence, practical challenges, and patient-centred approaches shaping modern stroke care. From rehabilitation science to holistic recovery, the programme is designed to support your daily practice and professional development.
Highlights include:
- Beyond the Obvious: Integrating Under-recognised Challenges into Holistic Stroke Recovery
- Trial Design in Rehabilitation – Challenges and Solutions
- Thriving After Stroke: Evidence, Experience, and Empowerment
- Rehabilitation and Recovery Treatment Advances
- Beyond the Acute Event: Mechanisms and Management of Post-Stroke Complications
Join a multidisciplinary community committed to improving outcomes across the stroke pathway – from early recovery to long-term care.
Click for more information
Mar 20, 2026
The European RES-Q+ research project aims to improve stroke care by combining the global RES-Q registry, an international database tracking stroke care to improve treatment quality, with digital tools and artificial intelligence.
As part of this work, stroke survivors and clinicians have co-developed a virtual assistant (VA) to support survivors after they leave hospital.
The VA will help them track important health issues (such as blood pressure), track what medicine to take when, store key documents and invite users to complete short questionnaires while providing summaries to healthcare professionals to support smoother and more joined up hospital checkups.
By strengthening the connection between hospital care and home recovery, the VA aims to improve the care, support and long-term outcomes for stroke survivors.
Arlene Wilkie, Director General of SAFE, says:
“Stroke recovery does not end when a stroke survivor leaves hospital. By connecting home recovery with hospital checkups, the virtual assistant helps ensure that no important details or changes are missed. This is an important step towards more personalised and joined up stroke care.”
For more information
- Click to visit the RES-Q+ website: https://www.resqplus.eu
RES-Q+ has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement No 101057603.
Mar 19, 2026
The EU Horizon funded research project, VALIDATE, aims to make sure AI can safely support doctors treating people with stroke.
When a patient arrives at hospital with a stroke, doctors must decide quickly which treatment will give the best chance of recovery. But predicting recovery can be challenging because every stroke and every patient is different.
VALIDATE is developing AI tools that analyse medical data to help doctors estimate how a patient might recover to support effective treatment decisions. Alongside this, the project will make sure these AI tools are fair, safe and carefully tested before being used in everyday care.
“We need to make treatment decisions very quickly when someone has a stroke,” said Dr Marta Rubiero, stroke neurologist and clinical validation lead in the project. “Clinical research is how we learn which treatments work best and make sure new tools really help patients.”
The project tests AI systems using diverse patient data and involves doctors, researchers and patient representatives throughout the process. Strict European safety and ethical standards are followed to prevent errors and bias.
Arlene Wilkie, Director General of the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE), said: “Research participation is essential to improving stroke care. VALIDATE shows how working together can lead to trustworthy innovations that benefit patients and families.”
Researchers hope the project will help make stroke treatment more personalised and improve recovery for patients across Europe.
For more information, click to view video
Or visit the Validate website: https://validate-project.eu
The VALIDATE project receives funding from the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Programme under grant agreement number 101057263.
Mar 18, 2026
On Brain Awareness Week’s third day we are focusing on UMBRELLA, a European research project that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools to improve how strokes are diagnosed, treated and managed.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Quick treatment is vital, but recovery can be long and complex and many survivors remain at risk of another stroke.
UMBRELLA aims to support doctors by using AI to help them make faster and more personalised decisions, while keeping patient information safe and private.
The project follows a careful process: health data is securely collected, organised and analysed inside hospitals. Personal details are removed, and strict privacy rules are followed. The AI is then trained to recognise patterns and tested to make sure it works safely and truly helps patient care.
Led by Vall d’Hebron Research Institute and Siemens Healthineers, and supported by the EU’s Innovative Health Initiative, the project brings together hospitals, researchers, patient organisations and companies from across Europe.
“Stroke survivors live with many long-term challenges. Better tools to support them are urgently needed. UMBRELLA is an exciting step toward more personalised and effective stroke care, with the potential to make a real difference for patients and families across Europe,” said Arlene Wilkie, Director General of SAFE.
By improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention, UMBRELLA aims to transform stroke care and improve the quality of lives of thousands of people.
To learn more about the project:
Visit the Umbrella website https://umbrella-ihi.eu
Or contact research@safestroke.eu
This project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 101172825. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and COCIR, EFPIA, Europa Bío, MedTech Europe and Vaccines Europe.
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