Commissioner Dalli: “The time for stepping up action is now. I invite you to meet the challenge”

Commissioner Dalli attended the European Alcohol and Health Forum 19.10.2011, and called for a sustainable and result-oriented action from the Forum. Commissioner Dalli noted “We must keep people well. We must invest on promoting good health, rather than spending on ill health”

One of the key areas for future work identified by the Commissioner is marketing and advertisement. In this regard, reducing exposure to especially young people and children is addressed, both through traditional and new media.

The issue of labeling and some companies was further addressed in the speech. Currently, there are some companies which are labeling alcohol products on a voluntary basis. The Commissioner gave his support to the importance of labeling and information, and its effect on changing behavior among the consumers, and calls for a European wide implementation of such initiatives.

Eurocare supports the Commissioners focus on marketing and labeling, which both are cases Eurocare has advocated for over the past few years. However, Eurocare calls for more action than a voluntary approach, and perceives a regulative approach as more efficient and effective.

Eurocare looks forward to the European Commission’s further work on results focused alcohol policy in Europe and warmly welcomes Commissioner’s John Dalli commitment to tackle alcohol related harm in Europe.