Stockholm, 29 November 2025

Saturday we were in Stockholm for the Council Meeting of YEPP – the youth movement of the European People’s Party – to discuss the future of nutrition, health, and innovation in Europe.

During the panel “Nutrition and Health in the EU – Avoiding Overregulation in the Single Market,” we engaged with the next generation of European leaders to rethink how Europe approaches public health. Alongside Pietro Paganini, the discussion featured experts such as Nicklas Amelin (Swedish Food Federation) and Nike Örbrink (Stockholm City Commissioner), and was moderated by Edelmira Ferri, YEPP Secretary General.

What Young Europeans Teach Us  

At a time when the EU is facing rising rates of NCDs, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, young Europeans are sending a clear message: Europe needs fewer prescriptive rules and more education to empower citizens. Health policies should focus on knowledge, behaviour, and innovation, rather than on restrictive measures and one-size-fits-all regulations. Their perspective reminds us that a healthier Europe starts with informed, engaged, and empowered citizens.

Key messages from Pietro Paganini0’s speech

Start from people, not from labels. Simplified classifications and taxes on foods or ingredients are not the solution. They may seem easy, but they distort the Single Market and underestimate citizens’ ability to make informed choices.

Empowerment over paternalism. Education, digital tools, personalised nutrition, and AI-driven solutions can significantly improve health outcomes – far more effectively than bureaucratic shortcuts.

Science over ideology. Public health debates increasingly rely on ideological narratives. Addressing complex health challenges requires evidence-based, multidimensional strategies.

A competitive and open Single Market matters. Overregulation risks penalising consumers, SMEs, and farmers without delivering measurable improvements in health.

Collaborating for a Better Europe   

We are proud to collaborate with YEPP, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, Moderata Ungdomsförbundet, and the Swedish Young Christian Democrats – all committed to shaping a Europe where citizens are informed, empowered, and free to choose a balanced lifestyle.

We remain committed to supporting this vision and contributing to a more innovative, science-based approach to nutrition and public health.

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