Joint letter: Placing Healthy, Affordable Diets at the Core of EU Cardiovascular Health Policy

Ahead of World Heart Day on 29 September 2025, EuroHealthNet, together with 19 civil society, health, and professional organisations, called on the European Commission to prioritise healthy and sustainable diets in the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the EU, with millions affected each year and stark inequalities across regions and social groups. Evidence shows that unhealthy diets are a major and preventable driver of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other non-communicable diseases.

In the open letter, the signatories urge policymakers to implement structural measures — from promoting plant-rich diets and reformulating processed foods to mandatory front-of-pack labelling, fiscal incentives, and restrictions on marketing unhealthy foods to children — to ensure all Europeans can access affordable, nutritious, and sustainable food.

Read the full letter here.