On 18 September 2017, the Commissioner for Health, Vytenis Andriukaitis announced the results of the report on ‘the state of health in 2017’, drawn up in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. Commissioner Andriukaitis strongly criticised the lack of funding dedicated to the prevention of chronic diseases (3% of health budgets), while 80% is allocated to their treatment.

These ailments, including obesity, cancer and diabetes, could be preventable, notably by reducing the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, increasing physical activity, and reducing salt intake. Furthermore, better preventive measures including early detection tests, for example for certain cancers, would allow a more effective treatment at an early stage.

Therefore, does the Commission intend to take action to strengthen measures to prevent chronic diseases in the European Union?