On 31 January, 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.
We extend our gratitude to our National Association Members for their continued support and dedication to making Europe more active and healthier!
- Active-FNEAPL – France
- Associazione Nazionale Impianti Sport & Fitness – Italy
- Attic Union of Gym Owners - Greece
- Austrian Professional Association of Sports and Leisure Enterprises – Austria
- Bulgaria Association for Health and Fitness – Bulgaria
- Czech Chamber of Fitness – Czech Republic
- Deutscher Industrieverband für Fitness und Gesundheit e.V. – Germany
- EspañaActiva – Spain
- Federación Nacional de Empresarios de Instalaciones Deportivas – Spain
- FinlandActive – Finland
- FITNESS.BE – Belgium
- Ireland Active – Ireland
- Latvian Health and Fitness Association – Latvia
- North Macedonia Active – North Macedonia
- Portugal Activo – Portugal
- RomaniaActive – Romania
- Slovenian Association for Fitness, Recreation and Regeneration (SFRR) – Slovenia
- SwissActive - Switzerland
- UkraineActive – Ukraine
- Virke Aktiv – Norway
Read the full endorsement letter here
