A Smarter Prevention Agenda for a Healthier Europe

19 May 2026
Posted by: Competere
Categories: events, highlights, News, Obesity & NCDs

A Smarter Prevention Agenda for a Healthier EuropeEMPOWERING CITIZENS BEYOND PRESCRIPTIVE POLICIES

19 May 2026, 16:30-18:00

Strasbourg – European Parliament

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death across Europe, posing a major human, social, and economic challenge. This makes prevention not only a public health priority, but also a strategic political responsibility. As the European Parliament shapes the next steps of the EU cardiovascular agenda, together with MEP Michele Picaro and the ECR Group, we brought together policymakers, academics, industry representatives and experts to explore what a more effective and realistic prevention model should look like.

Too often, the debate focuses on simplified, prescriptive tools – such as labeling systems, taxation, or restrictive measures – presented as quick fixes. Yet, cardiovascular risk and obesity stem from a far more complex set of factors, including physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyles, stress, education, and unequal access to prevention.

This event promoted a broader, more forward-looking approach: one that places citizens at the center, not as passive recipients of rules, but as active participants in their own health. From health literacy and innovation to personalized prevention and healthier environments, the discussion explored how to build policies that truly reflect real life.

At a crucial moment for EU health policy, the conversation also addressed the wider implications of current approaches – ranging from consumer choice to competitiveness – while asking a key question: are today’s tools truly aligned with the complexity of prevention?

The goal is clear: to contribute to a smarter, more balanced prevention agenda that can improve both the health and quality of life of European citizens, while reinforcing Europe’s model as a global reference for healthier living.