This study analyses the regional health inequalities in the European macroregion, with particular emphasis on the mortality trends in East Central Europe. On one hand, our research aims focus on the territorial fragmentation of the examined area, the identification of main breaklines, and examination of mortality factors affecting differentiation. On the other hand, we identify the socioeconomic differentiation behind regional disparities in health status. According to our results, beyond the

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... aditional east-west division of the European macroregion, additional "micro-cracks" can be detected through the different variables describing health status. Previously, the East Central European region was somewhat unanimously disadvantaged, but now it is far from being homogeneous. The main drivers of regional divide are still non-communicable chronic diseases, with the main priority attached to cardiovascular one. Our results suggest that, besides the mortality slope, a parallel economic performance gradient can also be observed.