21 December 2025 

The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) has submitted its response to the call for evidence on the possible revision of the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive.  

People across Europe, especially children and young adults, are increasingly exposed to aggressive marketing of harmful products that raise cancer risk. This includes unhealthy foods, alcohol, and novel tobacco and nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches. These marketing practices are widespread and continue to evolve rapidly, to the detriment of public health. 

Revising the Audiovisual Media Services Directive is a crucial opportunity to strengthen EU-wide protections for these vulnerable groups, curb harmful marketing practices, and help reduce the overall burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases in Europe.  

Read ECL’s contribution to the call for evidence for the impact assessment of the Audiovisual Media Service Directive and visit other ECL resources on cancer prevention.