MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION a request for actions aimed at spreading public awareness of the malnutrition risks in the EU and promoting screening programmes to identify vulnerable categories
30.6.2016
Aldo Patriciello
B8‑0890/2016
Motion for a European Parliament resolution with a request for actions aimed at spreading public awareness of the malnutrition risks in the EU and promoting screening programmes to identify vulnerable categories
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Article 6 and Title XIV of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
– having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas, while malnutrition is often perceived as a problem primarily affecting least developed countries, it must also be considered a European problem and tackled as such, since it is linked to a lack of energy and of the nutrients our bodies need;
B. whereas, according to the European Nutrition for Health Alliance, there are groups of people at high risk, such as the elderly, patients with chronic diseases and those who have had surgery;
C. whereas levels of malnutrition are underestimated in comparison with obesity, although malnutrition is a real problem that costs some EUR 171 billion a year in health expenditure;
D. whereas stronger action is needed to reduce the high percentage of European citizens at risk;
E. whereas malnutrition can be responsible for weakening the immune system and causing more infections and diseases;
1. Calls on the Commission to put into practice actions aimed at reducing the number of victims of malnutrition in the EU by raising public awareness of the risks and promoting screening programmes to identify vulnerable categories of people so that the proper measures can be adopted to address this problem.