Eurocare delegation meets Commissioner Vassiliou

Eurocare had a successful meeting with the Health Commissioner, Ms Androulla Vassiliou and her team on the 8 December 2008. The Commissioner stated her ongoing commitment to reducing alcohol related harm in Europe, following up both the strategy and the Forum on Alcohol and Health.

Eurocare voiced its concerns over the developments in the European Parliament regarding the Food information to consumers proposal. The rapporteur in the Parliament, Dr Renate Sommer, has recently presented the report, in which all alcoholic beverages are exempted from labelling requirements. This in Eurocare's view represents a missed opportunity, a discussion on the best ways forward followed.

The issue of health warnings and safety warnings was also discussed, with a particular focus on the French pictogram (no alcohol during pregnancy). The Commissioner supported the need for warning labels, in particular those relating to alcohol and pregnancy and drinking and driving.

The Commissioner stated her concern over the use of alcoholic beverages, especially among young people; she was particularly concerned with the emerging trend of organised “drinking tourism”.
Alcohol will be high on the agenda of the Swedish Presidency and Eurocare invited the Commissioner to participate in an event organized by Eurocare and the Swedish Presidency on Alcohol and Pregnancy on 9 September 2009 (International ‘Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders' Awareness Day).