(1)

Health of the citizens is essential for growth and prosperity in the Union.

(2)

In the last 3 decades the levels of overweight and obesity in the population of the Union have risen dramatically, particularly among children.

(3)

The trend of poor diet and low physical activity across the population of the Union is worsening.

(4)

The prevalence of a number of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, strokes, certain cancers, musculo-skeletal disorders and even a range of mental health conditions, is increasing.

(5)

If common lifestyle risk factors, among others diet-related ones, were eliminated, around 80 % of cases of heart disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes, and 40 % of cancers, could be avoided.

(6)

At its meeting on 3 December 2009, the Competitiveness Council recognised ‘Health, food and prevention of diet-related diseases’ (the title was later changed to ‘A healthy diet for a healthy life’) as an area where joint programming would provide a major added value to the current, fragmented research efforts by Member States. It therefore adopted conclusions recognising the need to launch a joint programming initiative on the subject and inviting the Commission to contribute to the preparation of that initiative. The Council also reaffirmed that joint programming is a process led by Member States, with the Commission acting as a facilitator.

(7)

Joint programming of research in the field of food and health would provide for coordination of research on the impact of lifestyles and diet on health, contributing significantly to construction of a fully operational European Research Area on prevention of diet-related diseases and strengthening leadership and competitiveness of the research activities in this field.

(8)

In order to ensure the efficiency of the joint efforts of Member States in the field of food and health, Member States should develop and implement a strategic research agenda based on a common approach to prevention of diet-related diseases.

(9)

With a view to ensuring effective management of the joint action to be taken, Member States should set up a common management structure with a mandate to establish common conditions, rules and procedures for cooperation and coordination and to monitor implementation of the strategic research agenda.

(10)

In order to achieve the goals set by this Recommendation, Member States should cooperate with the Commission on exploring possible Commission initiatives to assist Member States with developing and implementing the strategic research agenda.

(11)

In order for the Commission to be able to report to the European Parliament and to the Council, Member States should report regularly to the Commission on the progress made on this joint programming,