The European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) has joined a coalition of 20 civil society, health, and medical organisations in an open letter to EU Health Commissioner Várhelyi, calling for healthy and affordable diets to be the cornerstone of the upcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan. The letter, published on World Heart Day, stresses that Europe cannot effectively reduce its cardiovascular disease burden without implementing robust policies that tackle unhealthy diets head-on.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death and disability in Europe, costing EU economies over €280 billion annually in healthcare expenditure and lost productivity. The coalition emphasises that unhealthy diets are a primary, modifiable risk factor and that prevention must begin with the food on our plates. The letter calls on the European Commission to ensure the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan prioritises concrete measures to promote healthy and sustainable diets for all. This includes:
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- Ensuring affordability and accessibility of healthy food, including diverse diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.
- Improving the food environment by setting targets to reduce salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats in processed foods.
- Protecting children from the pervasive marketing of unhealthy food products.
- Guaranteeing healthy meals in schools and public institutions.
- Leveraging EU funds and fiscal policies to incentivise foods that benefit public health.
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The EU Cardiovascular Health Plan presents a crucial opportunity to save lives and reduce healthcare costs by making healthy, sustainable diets the accessible and affordable choice for everyone. We urge Commissioner Várhelyi to seize this moment and put public health at the heart of EU policy. The coalition’s joint letter underscores that if Europe is serious about fighting cardiovascular disease, policymakers must move beyond awareness-raising and implement systemic changes that support healthier consumer choices and create a food system that prioritises wellbeing.
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