FILTERED Conference 2025 – From Silos to Synergies to Prevent NCDs
The FILTERED Conference 2025, held on 3-4 November at Thon Hotel EU in Brussels, marked the successful conclusion of the FILTERED – From Silos to Synergies to Prevent NCDs project, co-funded by the EU4Health Programme.
The event brought together policymakers, civil society organisations, and public health experts to discuss how to strengthen prevention and address the commercial determinants of health. Sessions explored lessons from Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, findings from the FILTERED study, and forward-looking strategies to shape the EU’s next public health agenda.
Key topics included pro-health taxation, conflicts of interest, the influence of social media, and cross-sector collaboration to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
A significant highlight of the conference was the presentation and public reading of the European Declaration on Reducing Harm from Tobacco, Nicotine, Alcohol and Unhealthy Food, a collective call for stronger policies, shared accountability, and coordinated action to protect public health.
As part of the programme, Ajda Stepišnik led an interactive quiz titled “Which Are the Measures with the Quickest Results?”, based on the latest WHO “Quick Buys” recommendations.
In the closing panel “What Way Forward?”, moderated by Jan Peloza, Sanja Šišović emphasized the importance of solidarity and inclusion in shaping future health policies:
“Public health has been sidelined for too long, often left to compete with louder economic and political agendas. Reclaiming it requires solidarity, not silos. Youth and civil society must act as equal partners in shaping prevention, wellbeing, and equity policies. Only through shared ownership can we rebuild trust in systems that truly serve people, not institutions.”
The conference reinforced the message that only through cooperation, shared ownership, and evidence-based prevention can Europe move towards a healthier and fairer future for all.
