Brussels, 28/08/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 28 August, the European Commission presented a new initiative to promote physical activity in Europe and fight overweight and obesity. The recommendation will be presented to the Council for adoption by the end of this year. “One key element of our proposal is to help member states to trace developments and identify trends regarding their national efforts to promote sport and physical activity. By acting together with the member states we will reduce the significant costs arising from the lack of physical activity in Europe”, said the commissioner responsible for sport, Androulla Vassiliou.
Over the past years, the European Union has been promoting physical activity through its policies and financial instruments and thereby supporting the various initiatives carried out by the member states. Despite these efforts, the rates of physical inactivity in the EU remain alarmingly high. Improving the physical health of individuals would help to reduce healthcare costs arising from obesity-related illnesses, such as breast and colon cancer, diabetes and heart disease, the Commission points out. The new initiative follows on from the call launched by the Council of Ministers in November 2012, asking the Commission to prepare a recommendation to promote physical activity in line with a cross-sectoral approach. (IL/transl.fl)