Declaration Launched! MEP Interest Group Health Inequalities, Prevention and Risk Factors
The Declaration of the MEP Interest Group on Health Inequalities, Prevention and Risk Factors was launched on 21 May during a reception at the European Parliament, with the Co-chairs Vytenis Andriukaitis (S&D), Manuela Ripa (EPP) and Ondřej Dostál (Non-attached), who shared personal reflections and provided honest insights into what they believe are priorities in health promotion during this mandate and beyond, as well as what support is needed from the Commission, the Member States, and civil society.
As stated in the declaration, the MEPs Commitment is the following.
To ensure a healthier and more equitable Europe, we declare that:
- The EU must prioritise public health across all policies, ensuring effective population wide prevention strategies, strong regulation of health-harming industries, and the safeguarding of civil society’s pivotal role in health policymaking, ensuring their meaningful participation in policy discussions.
- Health policymaking must be protected from industry interference, with clear conflict-of-interest monitoring to uphold public health integrity and prevent undue commercial influence.
- The Cardiovascular (CVD) Health Plan must integrate the legislative proposals of the European Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP), ensuring coherence and alignment with previous NCD prevention efforts.
Ensuring a Strong Public Health Framework at the EU Level
To effectively implement our commitment, the EU must:
- Ensure adequate and sustained funding for prevention and public health research in funding programmes such as the EU4Health program and Horizon Europe, making public health a priority in the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
- The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must align with public health goals, reducing subsidies for unhealthy products and promoting policies that support healthier food systems.
- Promote equitable public health strategies, ensuring that vulnerable and marginalised communities have equal access to prevention, care, and support, leaving no one behind.
- Incorporate prevention into Europe’s broader health security and preparedness strategy, recognising that public health strengthens resilience in times of crisis.
- Strengthen the public health workforce to reinforce public health systems capacity to better respond to emerging health threats.
- EU legislation must reflect the strong public support for alcohol labelling and front of pack labelling on food enabling informed consumer choices and reducing harm.
Download the declaration here.
This interest group is led by a dedicated team of MEP Co-Chairs: Vytenis Andriukaitis (S&D), Manuela Ripa (EPP), Vlad Voiculescu (Renew), Ignazio Marino (Greens/EFA), Aurelijus Veryga (ECR) and Ondřej Dostál (Non-attached). Over 20 MEPs have signed up so far. Its secretariat is provided by Eurocare, EuroHealthNet and EUPHA. For more information, don't hesitate to reach out to Anamaria Suciu, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Eurocare at
Photo Gallery
From left to right: Manuela Ripa, Vytenis Andriukaitis, Ondřej Dostál. Photo credit: Nicolas Coulon I Crolle Agency
Photo credit: Nicolas Coulon I Crolle Agency
Photo credit: Nicolas Coulon I Crolle Agency
Photo credit: Nicolas Coulon I Crolle Agency
Photo credit: Nicolas Coulon I Crolle Agency
Photo credit: Nicolas Coulon I Crolle Agency
Photo credit: Nicolas Coulon I Crolle Agency
Photo credit: Nicolas Coulon I Crolle Agency
Photo credit: Nicolas Coulon I Crolle Agency
The issue at stake
Non-communicable diseases cause 80% of deaths in the EU[1] and take up to 10% of the GDP spent on healthcare, yet only 3% of health budgets go to prevention, even though prevention could reduce the burden by up to 70%[2]. Health inequalities continue to affect vulnerable people across Europe. These differences are caused by factors such as income, location, education, and access to healthcare. As a result, preventable illnesses and a lower quality of life often affect disadvantaged groups. Today, civil society is under threat, and evidence-based policymaking faces challenges from aggressive, well-funded lobbying efforts. Four industries—alcohol, fossil fuels, processed food and drinks, and tobacco—drive nearly 25%[3] of deaths in the WHO European Region by promoting harmful products that lead to NCDs, pollution-related illnesses, and workplace hazards. These industries have a strong influence on scientific research and policy, and the lack of strong conflict-of-interest rules delays, weakens, or blocks effective public health regulations, prioritising profit over well-being.
This interest group is determined to act in a clear and decisive way, influencing different policies that affect health, particularly by addressing the main NCDs risk factors. To do this well, the leadership, supported by the secretariat, will work closely with Member States, the Presidencies of the Council of the EU, the European Commission, other MEP intergroups and interest groups, the WHO, the Joint Action Prevent NCDs, civil society organisations, and other key stakeholders.
[1] https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/overview_en#:~:text=Non%2Dcommunicable%20diseases%20(NCDs),causes%20of%20avoidable%20premature%20deaths
[2] https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/health-at-a-glance-europe-2024_b3704e14-en.html
[3] https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/9789289061162