The European Commission is considering introducing taxes across the EU on ultra-processed unhealthy foods and alcoholic beverages by 2026, according to a Euroactive report which obtained an exclusive draft the Cardiovascular Health Plan.
The draft, seen by Euractiv, indicates that the Commission will present the EU’s first dedicated plan to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD) in December. CVD remains the leading cause of death in the EU, and the plan will focus on three pillars: prevention, early detection and monitoring, and treatment and medical care.
This initiative follows the Commission’s previous cancer-fighting strategy and will coincide with the upcoming EU Biotechnology Act and a revision of medical device regulations.
Prevention at the forefront
The draft highlights that the EU has not done enough to prevent risk factors for heart disease, which include alcohol, tobacco and new nicotine products, as well as ultra-processed unhealthy foods. Prevention is considered the most cost-effective approach to tackling CVD.
In line with this, the Commission is planning to introduce an EU-wide tax on “highly processed foods with high fat, sugar, and salt content, as well as alcoholic beverages by 2026.”
The EU executive also aims to revise tobacco control rules by 2027, with a long-term goal of reducing adult tobacco use to below 5% by 2040. In addition, the plan calls for stronger action on vaccination targets and reducing health inequalities affecting women.
Targets for 2035
According to the draft, the EU’s health goals by 2035 include:
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A 20% reduction in cardiovascular mortality
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70% diagnosis and control rates for hypertension
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80% diagnosis and control rates for diabetes and obesity
The Commission will launch a programme titled “The EU Cares for Your Heart”, supporting a lifelong, personalised, and digitally enabled approach to cardiovascular health. Member states will be asked to develop national plans for heart disease by 2027.
Harnessing AI
The plan also outlines the use of artificial intelligence and data systems to improve dietary habits and assess the impact of ultra-processed foods. A new integrated system will be created to evaluate food processing levels and health risks.
On the monitoring side, the Commission will propose updated Council recommendations in 2026 to improve cardiovascular health checks, including specialised centres across the EU and a €20 million fund for AI-driven early detection tools and personalised care.
Research and innovation
Finally, the Commission will launch a new roadmap for cardiovascular research and innovation, backed by a €2 million budget, alongside €65 million for innovative healthcare solutions and €12 million to promote healthy and sustainable diets.
This comprehensive approach signals the EU’s commitment to tackling cardiovascular disease through prevention, early detection, and cutting-edge research, while addressing lifestyle risk factors such as diet and alcohol consumption.