NEWS > SPOTLIGHTS
June, 17, 2015
Alcohol is a major contributor to loss of life and to the burden of chronic disease in Europe. The harmful use of alcohol is associated with a wide range of physical, psychological and social harms, and the costs to individuals, communities and society are widely recognised. While a single uniform alcohol policy relevant to all member states is close to impossible, there is a necessity to complement national actions, create synergy between individual national policies and share best practice.
This report suggests that progress has been made at both strategic EU and Member State levels, with a decline in consumption and changes in drinking patterns in some countries over the past thirty years. However, Europe’s per capita alcohol consumption still remains the highest in the world and a coordinated and collaborative EU response is therefore imperative.
There is currently a unique window of opportunity in Europe for a significant expansion of activity in the prevention of alcohol-related harm. This committee proposes strong recommendations supported by sound evidence aimed at changing the way in which alcohol-related harm is prevented at a European level.
Prevention of chronic diseases
