The European Union is entering a pivotal phase for its longterm economic resilience, public health, and competitiveness. As discussions continue around the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the omnibus proposals, and new regulatory initiatives, EU institutions have a unique opportunity to strengthen the foundations of a healthier, more productive and more secure Europe.
At the same time, the EU faces structural pressures at home. Demographic change, inflation, persistent inequalities in health outcomes, and rising obesity rates are placing increasing strain on healthcare systems and on labour markets. In this context, investments in health, nutrition and food innovation are not simply social priorities - they are essential components of Europe’s economic strategy.
Health and Nutrition as a longterm priority
Lack of physical activity, coupled with inadequate nutrition, continue to fuel rising obesity and other non-communicable disease rates, ultimately straining our healthcare systems and leading to productivity losses. A concerted effort between industry, consumers and institutional stakeholders is needed to ensure a healthier and more resilient population.
Yet several key concepts remain insufficiently integrated into EU-level discussions. Nutrient density, for example, should play a much larger role in how we assess the contribution of foods to public health.
Expecting Europeans to meet dietary needs through unprocessed vegetables and grains is not a realistic solution
Modern consumers need meals that are convenient, quick to prepare, and nutritionally balanced, and products specifically designed to meet these criteria.
Plant-based protein and food security
Many consumers also want to be more conscious of the environment when considering their diets. The EU should prioritize domestic plant-protein production, ensuring the resilience of the sector in case of future supply-chain disruptions. At the same time, as indicated in the Safe Hearts Plan of December 2025, there are indications that the Commission would potentially like to penalize foods solely based on their level of processing.
Such a strict approach would overlook the simple reality: we need processing for many plant-based foods. Meal replacements and other modern protein alternatives require some level of transformation to become safe, nutritious, convenient and appealing to consumers. Expecting Europeans to meet dietary needs through unprocessed vegetables and grains is not a realistic solution.
If the EU pursues policy frameworks addressing processing levels, these must include clear and science-based exemptions, taking into account composition, intended use, nutritional quality and overall contribution to dietary patterns.
A sovereign and competitive food sector
In order to ensure a resilient, competitive and healthy Europe, the food sector should remain as a key strategic partner. The MFF and the Horizon Project offer important opportunities to support innovation in food, and special attention should be paid to increasing domestic plant-protein production, as well as funding for R&D.
A resilient, innovative and reliable food sector is essential in ensuring that Europe’s 450 million citizens have access to safe, affordable and high-quality food
Notably, there are challenges in bringing innovative products to market because regulated timelines (e.g. 18 months) don’t square with reality (2–4 years). In addition, the transparency regulation’s requirement to disclose dossiers at submission weakens the protection of proprietary data by allowing competitors to gather intelligence.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that many Member States do not consistently respect the mutual recognition principle. As a result, technologies developed in Europe end up being commercialised elsewhere. Additionally, the Food and Feed Omnibus, intended to streamline regulation and reinforce competitiveness, has so far provided limited benefits to the food industry.
A resilient, innovative and reliable food sector is essential in ensuring that Europe’s 450 million citizens have access to safe, affordable and high-quality food, and for this we need more dialogue, evidence-based policymaking, and stronger cooperation between EU institutions, scientists, industry and consumers.
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