The European Heart Network has submitted its response to the European Commission’s call for feedback on the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), addressing the regulation of marketing practices that harm cardiovascular health.
In its submission, EHN stresses that current EU action on harmful marketing remains insufficient and overly reliant on voluntary measures, which have failed to protect citizens, particularly children and young people, from exposure to advertising for alcohol, vapes and unhealthy foods. The rapid expansion of digital marketing channels further undermines the effectiveness of existing rules.
EHN calls for stronger, binding EU-level regulation, greater coherence across relevant legislative frameworks and the exclusion of vested commercial interests from public health policymaking. Robust marketing restrictions are essential to create healthier environments and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases across Europe.
Download EHN response