Istituto Bruno Leoni-Fondazione
IBL
Scopo della Fondazione Istituto Bruno Leoni è svolgere e promuovere attività di ricerca scientifica e di divulgazione al fine di studiare e diffondere le idee e i principi della libertà individuale, della libera concorrenza e del libero mercato, ispirandosi al pensiero e all'azione culturale di Bruno Leoni.
ID: 132275594403-29
Lobbying Activity
Response to EU cardiovascular health plan
9 Sept 2025
We appreciate the initiative of the European Commission to launch an EU plan for cardiovascular health. The call for evidence clearly presents the reasons why such a plan is desirable, noting that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the EU and are projected to increase in the near future. The call for evidence also specifies the expected impact and goals of the initiative, while outlining in very broad terms the principles that will guide it: prevention, screening, and management. The document does not specify what actions will be implemented to realize these principles, with the sole exception of some generic references to the need to take advantage of new technologies, artificial intelligence, and data-driven approaches. It is not clear from the document what regulatory tools will be considered, nor whether these will follow traditional command-and-control strategies or alternative approaches emphasizing individual responsibility. The focus on risk behaviors and the need to reduce them among the population make both of these strategies possible. Keeping citizens informed and providing opportunities for the market to develop new alternative products promote lasting and sustainable change. Rather than taking a paternalistic approach through taxation and bans, the EU plan should target initiatives that expand the options available, increase citizens knowledge, and enhance their ability to make informed choices. In this respect, Sweden provides evidence of a successful case in which tobacco consumption has reached record lows, partly due to the widespread use of non-combustible products (e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, reduced-risk alternatives) and information campaigns. By the same token, while excessive calory intake is a cause of obesity which, in turn, is a cause of cardio-vascular diseases, such tools as sugar or soda taxes have delivered little benefits, when attempted. Consumers react to tax-driven price changes in a variety of ways, including switching to cheaper brands or switching to untaxed substitutes that are equally caloric. Information campaigns are very important for the management of cardiovascular emergencies. For example, multiple studies show that recognizing the signs and symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention are essential to prevent stroke-related disability, long-term effects, or death. In sum, knowledge is a key factor in fighting cardiovascular diseases. The EU should consider all actions that can expand this knowledge among the population, not only through public information campaigns, but also through experimentation aimed at finding the most effective ways to promote new healthy or less unhealthy behaviors.
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