Introduction
In 2017, the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) with the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) launched a comprehensive review of stroke and stroke care in Europe. The Burden of Stroke in Europe Report revealed shocking disparities between and within countries along the entire stroke care pathway, with post-stroke support being neglected by all countries. The report showed that the number of strokes, people living with stroke and healthcare and non-healthcare costs were due to increase dramatically by 2035 if no action was taken.
In response, and in collaboration with 70 experts assessing all aspects of the stroke care pathway, the Stroke Action Plan for Europe was created. The plan was based on a review of evidence for best practice and considered the current state of stroke provision and outlined the key targets all countries and health systems should be aiming to achieve by 2030, including primary and secondary prevention1.