In view of the adoption of the EU protein system plan, a new policy vision, promoted by Eat Europe, IFOAM organics Europe, Safe Advocacy Europe and Slow Food, sets out a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen Europe’s food systems by placing citizens’ health, informed consumer choice, and resilient European supply chains at the centre of future food policy.

The proposal that puts together consumers, civil society, farmers and food industry representatives, calls for a balanced approach to plant- and animal-based proteins, increased consumption of fruit and vegetables, and stronger measures to tackle the growing presence of ultra-processed foods in European diets. It also underlines the importance of ensuring that healthy, nutritious food remains affordable and accessible for all, while supporting farmers, rural communities, and the competitiveness of European agriculture.

“As demand for proteins continues to grow, we must ensure that this opportunity does not become a public health risk. The diversification of protein sources must not come at the expense of consumer health or trust. Public policies should promote natural, nutritious plant- and animal-based foods. Innovation should never be confused with shortcuts: Europe’s answer must remain rooted in safe, nutritious foods produced by farmers, not in increasingly ultra-processed or laboratory-made alternatives disconnected from agricultural excellence”, said Luigi Scordamaglia, President of Eat Europe.

Among the key priorities are clearer food labelling on origin and processing, greater support for organic, local and seasonal production, healthier public procurement in schools and hospitals, and food education from an early age. The vision also advocates a precautionary, science-based approach to novel food technologies, ensuring that innovation is accompanied by robust independent assessment and full transparency.

By promoting minimally processed, high-quality foods, strengthening European production and short supply chains, and empowering consumers with reliable information, the initiative aims to consolidate the role of Europe as global benchmark for food systems that are healthier, more sustainable, more transparent, and economically resilient.

This represents our contribution to promote a balanced, evidence-based approach that recognizes the complementary value of different sources of proteins and other nutrients sources, plant and animal based, avoiding ideological or polarizing perspectives.