Taxation or Transformation? Rethinking Sugar Taxes in Europe – European Parliament
At the European Parliament, the debate on sugar taxation highlighted a broader policy question: are we choosing measures that truly improve health outcomes, or simply those that look politically decisive?
Taxation or Transformation? Rethinking Sugar Taxes in Europe
At the European Parliament, I had the opportunity to take part in the event “Taxation or Transformation? Re-evaluating the Role of Sugar Taxation in Europe’s Health Strategy,” hosted by MEP Kristian Vigenin and organized in partnership with SME Connect and CEFS. The discussion brought together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders at a particularly important moment for Europe’s public health agenda.
MY TALK AT ONFOOD: ANIMAL PROTEINS AND NOVEL FOODS
I was pleased to join a distinguished panel that included representatives of the European Commission, Prof. Dr..ir. Frans Kok, Marie-Christine Ribera, Annie Denny, and Bo Dohmen, under the moderation of Horst Heitz. The exchange confirmed how central the issue of obesity and non-communicable diseases has become in the European debate. Still, it also showed how important it is to avoid simplistic policy responses to complex problems.
My contribution focused on a basic but often overlooked question: why do we want a tax on sugar? Sugar taxation is frequently presented as a straightforward corrective tool, capable of steering consumers toward healthier choices. But once we move from political narrative to scientific and policy assessment, the picture becomes much more complex.
DO NOT MISS MY INTERVIEW ON FOOD SECURITY: THE IMPORTANCE OF STOCKPILING
The evidence discussed at the event suggests that the measurable reduction in sugar consumption associated with these taxes is limited, while the broader effects are far more significant. The burden often falls disproportionately on lower-income consumers. Supply chains adapt, not always efficiently. Product reformulation is shaped by tax thresholds rather than nutritional logic. Producers and food systems also bear consequences that are too often ignored.
ADVANCING FOOD SECURITY: READ ABOUT THE PALM OIL COALITION
Above all, the event reinforced a broader point: obesity is multifactorial. It cannot be reduced to one nutrient, one ingredient, or one fiscal instrument. Effective prevention requires a more serious and empowering approach, based on balanced diets, education, physical activity, innovation, and a better understanding of individual differences.
Europe should not settle for merely visible policies. It should pursue policies that are proportionate, evidence-based, and truly capable of improving outcomes.
