Upgrading the EU’s policy toolbox for nutrition leadership
In this paper, Koen Dekeyser and Francesco Rampa summarise recent developments in the EU’s nutrition policy landscape. They look at how to make the best use of upcoming opportunities to ensure nutrition is optimally built into the EU's approach to food systems transformation and food security in its external action
Summary
The European Union (EU) is a leader in supporting nutrition worldwide. Its current nutrition framework and Action Plan on Nutrition are generally seen as well-built but outdated and not well-linked with new sectors and priorities.
This paper summarises recent developments in the EU’s nutrition policy landscape and provides recommendations on upcoming opportunities to ensure nutrition is optimally built into the EU's approach to food systems transformation and food security in its external action.
Three strategies are proposed for a revision of the framework: emphasising the importance of nutrition for long-term development; linking it more strongly with other EU priorities; and building coalitions of nutrition champions. Better nutrition outcomes are necessary for long-term development but are vulnerable to short-term setbacks. Hence, a strong and updated policy framework can help to integrate nutrition better with crisis response while providing backing to continue the EU’s leadership on nutrition support.
