With cardiovascular disease still the EU's top killer and Brussels preparing a new cardiovascular plan, @euractiv.com spoke with Stefan Janssens, cardiologist, about why deaths remain high, how much exercise we really need, and whether unhealthy products should be taxed.

What do you think? Read my story and let me know!

🚨 EXCLUSIVE! @euractiv.com obtained the first draft of the Cardiovascular Health Plan - revealing that the European Commission wants EU-wide levies on ultra-processed foods and alcopops by 2026. Read more here:

🚨 Euractiv reveals: German hospital unaware sensitive data is now under US jurisdiction European hospitals trusted Zivver’s software platform to protect sensitive communications, but its data protection is weaker than assumed. A German Hospital only discovered it after an inquiry by @euractiv.com

A clash of regulations - blood and plasma vs. medtech? Experts are warning that regulatory overlaps and certification delays could disrupt access to Europe's critical blood supply - particularly due to the Medical Devices Regulation.

France’s new health minister brings medical expertise – and a pharma past… ranking her number 1 of the “Top 10 most spoiled MPs” by pharmaceutical laboratories. However, on the European level, an expert see her not to be “particularly industry-friendly”. Read more in my coverage for @euractiv.com

🌐 A @sant.europarl.europa.eu delegation is in Berlin 🇩🇪 to attend the World Health Summit #WHS2025 MEPs Jarubas, Papandreou, Veryga & @stinebosse.bsky.social will join various workshops, debates & panels and meet government officials and public health experts from around the world.

1 in 3 doctors & nurses report depression or anxiety, and more than 1 in 10 have thought about ending their lives or hurting themselves - Hans Kluge, director @whoeurope.bsky.social The new report reveals, that Europe could face a shortfall of around 940,000 healthcare workers

A Europe-wide tax on high-sugar, high-fat and high-salt products? Hungary introduced a 'chips-tax', but arguably failed. EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi should be familiar with from his home country. Is such a tax set to fail? Read more from me @euractiv.com www.euractiv.com/news/hungari...

🚨Commission’s 'Apply AI Strategy' to make healthcare and drug development smarter. @euractiv.com got hold of the Strategy before it's presented tomorrow by the Commission. Find out more in my newest article: www.euractiv.com/news/commiss...

Von der Leyen unveils plan to create a European AI-powered healthcare network. The network would be part of the “Apply AI strategy”, which von der Leyen is due to present next week. Read more in my coverage on @euractiv.com

Final journey: The divide within Europe over euthanasia and assisted dying

What drives someone to become a "death tourist"? For many terminally ill Europeans, it’s a last resort. As euthanasia is illegal in most EU countries, patients are forced to travel abroad to escape suffering. As debate stalls, my article @euractiv.com explores how laws push people across borders.

Endometriosis often goes undiagnosed for years, which is why the number of unreported cases is high. Meanwhile, right-wing groups have made it their mission to raise awareness of women's health issues, such as infertility potentially linked to endometriosis, to reinforce their pro-family message.

Endometriosis often goes undiagnosed for years, leading to a high number of undetected cases. Right-wing groups have made it a mission to raise awareness of women's health issues, such as infertility potentially linked to endometriosis, to reinforce their pro-family message. Read more @euractiv.com

Commission unclear on role of EU regions in hospital cybersecurity plan

Hospitals’ cybersecurity: EU regions warn Commission’s approach is ‘troubling’

EU aims to create single market for clinical trials

European AI office will launch new health unit in July

EU Ministers back plan to curb social media’s impact on youth mental health

Generic drugmakers are warning that the EU’s new wastewater rules could trigger a domino effect, threatening the supply of essential medicines across Europe. Read more in my article on @euractiv.com, what Pro Generika, Zentiva and Teva Pharmaceuticals have to say:

‼️We're worried about the increasing opacity of lobbying on competition issues in Brussels‼️ We have written to the competition department of the @ec.europa.eu to urge them to push for CLEAR DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS of all speakers at events the Commission is speaking at. www.beuc.eu/sites/defaul...

Today (Tuesday) MPs are set to get a 'free vote' on decriminalising abortion, with two amendments tabled by Labour back benchers under consideration The amendments have different implications, and the parliamentary procedure could get complicated @zoecrowther.bsky.social explains

The European Commission wants to advance the use of AI in healthcare, but a new report has exposed various challenges posed for the sector by the training data used so far.

FIRST AID: Europe loses appetite for junk food ads

Would any parent be reassured knowing that the food industry decides what's acceptable to be advertised ▶️ their kids? Our @beuc.eu report on EU self-regulation underlines the need to end this failed experiment. Time to put children's health first + #stopmarketingtokids tinyurl.com/pledgebeuc

Do you know what children in your surroundings consume? While Europe fights a childhood obesity crisis, Norway will soon have Europe’s strictest advertising law to protect children from unhealthy food. Find out more in my latest article on @euractiv.com

No more holding it in: MEPs launch group on incontinence care. Continence care is finally on the EU’s radar, as MEPs move to flush the stigma and support the millions across Europe living with the condition. http://dlvr.it/TL8ckQ

Budget plans for 2026: Is EU4Health bleeding out?

French health minister suggests reimbursement cuts for chronic disease patients

EU needs to get serious on date #rape #drugs, say MEPs

German health sector lags behind on crisis preparedness

German parties in coalition talks want country to be EU’s biggest pharma player

New letter urges Commission to move forward with EU tobacco legislation this year

Germany’s latest #hospital reform hangs over coalition talks: The #CDU's election manifesto states that the party will "correct the mistakes of the #hospital reform" passed under the previous #SPD-led government.

#Poland one step closer to ban flavoured #nicotine pouches, restrict #ecigarettes: The aim is to ensure greater control over #ecigarettes, the Polish ministry said on X.

European #cancer survival rates improved, but differences remain across countries: #Cancer survival rates have improved, but hundreds of thousands of deaths could be avoided if other countries could match Sweden's Europe-leading outcomes.

Four the win: #Germany’s potential health ministers under the microscope: Who will become #Germany's next #healthminister remains up in the air, but four names are being floated.

Finland’s right regulates nicotine pouches over planned ban

Cannabis to give German future coalition a headache

A healthy German coalition? Two scenarios that impact the health sector

Austria’s new government health plans – what you need to know

The polish presidency wants to tackle the growing impact of digital media use on Europe‘s youth - read more:

What impact will the election on Sunday have on the pharmaceutical industry in Germany? Find out here! ⤵️

What is the TikTok’s ‘Paracetamol challenge’ that has Europe nervous

Germany’s outgoing coalition eases bloated doctor appointment system

Feel free to read my first The Brief for @euractiv.com

Debunking three myths about EU enlargement 🇪🇺 www.treffpunkteuropa.de/debunking-th...

The Georgian Dream regime has begun arresting opposition leaders without any previous clashes/reasons. They simply got their hands on Zurab Girchi Japaridze and grabbed him. Video in comments.

Good to see a clear message from the new EU High Rep on Georgia. She will now have to prove she has the member states behind her on this one, including a certain one holding the Council Presidency and recently congratulating the new Georgian government on its 'election' victory.