Written question by Georgios Papanikolaou (PPE) on Rise in alcoholism in Europe

Date published: March 19 2010

According to OECD statistics, there has recently been a sharp rise in alcoholism in Europe.

The economic crisis, increased anxiety and insecurity are the basic causes of this phenomenon, which is particularly acute in France, Denmark, Hungary and Ireland.

Alcohol is actually eighth on the list of the ten main causes of death, with 2.3 million victims each year, compared to 1.5 million for smoking.

Alcohol consumption also contributes to high blood-pressure, the main cause of death worldwide.

· Will the Commission step up its efforts to raise awareness of and combat alcoholism?

· Does it think that the existing ban on the consumption of alcohol by minors has proved successful and does it intend to embark on more forceful initiatives and campaigns to curb alcohol consumption among young people?