The summary report of the event “A Smarter Prevention Agenda for a Healthier Europe – Empowering Citizens Beyond Prescriptive Policies”, held on 19 May 2026 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, is now available. 

Explore key policy takeaways and perspectives shared by academics, experts and policymakers: download it now.

The discussion took place ahead of the European Parliament vote on the own-initiative report on cardiovascular health and within the broader revision of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, at a time of growing attention to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in EU policy.

The report highlights a shared message that emerged from the debate: cardiovascular diseases, obesity and other NCDs are complex, multifactorial conditions that cannot be addressed through single-nutrient or category-based approaches. Instead, they are shaped by a combination of lifestyle, physical activity, ageing, socio-economic factors, environment, genetics and individual behaviour.

Key messages

• Complex challenges require systemic responses: prevention policies must reflect the real drivers of disease rather than relying on simplified assumptions.
• Beyond prescriptive tools: labelling, taxation and restrictions should be assessed against measurable, real-world health outcomes.
• Food processing is not the enemy: industrial food should not be demonised, but understood within balanced diets, portions, frequency and lifestyle context.
• Empowering citizens: Europe should invest more in education, health and food literacy, innovation, digital tools and personalised prevention strategies.
• Better prevention, not less prevention: effective policies should be evidence-based, proportionate and impact-driven.

Health cannot be achieved through regulatory shortcuts, but through approaches that empower citizens and are grounded in scientific evidence.

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