Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, remain the leading cause of death and disability in the WHO European Region. Approximately 1.8 million deaths annually are avoidable, with 60% preventable through reduced exposure to risk factors and public health interventions, and 40% treatable with timely and high-quality health care. Progress towards many global targets has been made, but in all cases (except suicide mortality and alcohol use) it is not sufficient to meet agreed targets by 2025 and 2030.