Joint letter – The case for demand-side interventions to improve access to healthy diets for cardiovascular health

07 July 2025

In view of the Commission’s ongoing preparation of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, the European Heart Network, Fern, Animal Advocacy & Food Transition, SAFE, EuroHealthNet, and PAN Europe have jointly submitted a letter outlining how EU decision-makers can improve access to healthy diets for all citizens. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the EU, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and costing the economy €282 billion annually, despite 80% of premature deaths being preventable. To address this, the EU must adopt demand-side measures—such as food reformulation, marketing restrictions, fiscal incentives, and sustainable public procurement—to ensure equitable access to nutritious, plant-rich diets and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.

The case for demand-side interventions to improve access to healthy diets for cardiovascular healthDownload