Members of the European Parliament’s Public Health Committee have called for tougher action on tobacco, nicotine products, alcohol and unhealthy diets as part of the EU’s efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease, Europe’s leading cause of death.

In a report responding to the European Commission’s “Safe Hearts Plan”, adopted on Wednesday, MEPs urged stronger measures to reduce the appeal, accessibility and consumption of tobacco and nicotine products, including emerging products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. They also called for social media advertising to be explicitly covered by EU tobacco advertising rules.

Focus on Prevention

The report highlights smoking, harmful alcohol consumption, poor diets and physical inactivity as major cardiovascular risk factors. MEPs backed improved nutrition labelling, greater scrutiny of ultra-processed foods and energy drinks, and public awareness campaigns on alcohol-related health risks.

Early Detection and Better Care

MEPs also supported wider cardiovascular health checks, improved access to treatment and stronger efforts to reduce health inequalities. The report further calls for expanded CPR training programmes in schools and workplaces.

Cardiovascular diseases cause around 1.7 million deaths annually in the EU. The report is expected to be voted on by the full European Parliament in September.