Fitness and Physical Activity Sector Unites for EU Action on Heart Health

In January 2025, project partner EuropeActive together with its 20 National Association Members issued a joint endorsement letter in support of recent EU policy action on cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The letter supports the Council Conclusions on CVDs, which highlights physical inactivity as a major risk factor and calls on Member States to take decisive action. The policy document urges Member States to update national CVD strategies to prioritise combating physical inactivity, foster collaboration between health and physical activity stakeholders, and implement a series of targeted measures. 

The fitness and physical activity sector enthusiastically welcomes this much-needed focus on physical activity in EU health agenda and calls on national governments and all committed stakeholders to accelerate comprehensive strategies that prioritise prevention and health promotion through active lifestyles. 

We also welcome EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi’s commitment to launch a European Cardiovascular Health Plan. This is a crucial moment to advance prevention and care across Europe, and physical activity must be at the heart of these efforts—with dedicated EU funding and resources to drive real change. 

In our joint letter, EuropeActive and its National Association Members reaffirm their commitment to: 

• Advocate for sustained progress in CVD and other NCDs prevention, management and rehabilitation strategies through physical activity initiatives, 

• Promote public-private partnerships and cross-sector collaboration to achieve holistic and impactful health strategies, 

• Engage with national governments, the European Commission, and other stakeholders to secure funding, implement robust strategies, and maintain political momentum. 

Article extracted from EuropeActive.