A huge majority of the Parliament (620 votes) supported, on 1 January 2007, a non-binding own-initiative report in response to the Commission's Green Paper on Promoting healthy diets and physical activity(December 2005).
MEPs backed the Commission's commitment to healthy eating and physical activity and call for obesity to be regarded as a political priority for the EU. They say that member states should ensure sufficient sports and physical activity facilities at school and that local authorities should consider "the promotion of a healthy and active lifestyle when planning the location of schools".
The report also recommends conclusion of a 'gentlemen's agreement' between the Commission and the European media industries. This would lead to children's products in different media to carry information "intended to make Europe's youngsters aware of the importance of practicing sport and of eating fruit and vegetables in order to remain healthy".
The Commission is urged to launch 'sport at school' programmes in 'guinea pig' establishments and distribute children EU-branded sports bags with footwear, shorts and tee-shirt. The Commission is also urged to promote best practice in schools with regard initiatives educating children about healthy eating and providing food based on high nutritional standards.
MEPs also call on stakeholders related to the 'energy-output' side, such as computer game manufacturers, sports associations and broadcasters, to become more engaged in the debate taking place in the EU 'obesity platform' and to consider making commitments similar to those already done by the 'energy-input' stakeholders.
