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EU Alcohol Strategy
On 24 October 2006, the European Commission adopted the long awaited Communication setting out a strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol-related harm (EU Alcohol Strategy). The EU Alcohol strategy has been awaited since in June 2001 the Council invited the Commission to put forward proposals for a comprehensive Community strategy aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm to complement national policies.
As part of the implementation of the Alcohol Strategy the Commission has set up the following bodies:
- An EU Alcohol and Health Forum, a multistakeholder platform composed of NGOs and economic operators. Members of the Forum have made a series of commitments aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.
- A Committee for national alcohol policy and action that brings together representatives from the national governments to share information, knowledge and good practice on reducing harmful alcohol consumption.
- A Committee on data collection, indicators and definitions whose aim is to develop key indicators for monitoring overall performance of the strategy.
The current EU Alcohol Strategy comes to an end in 2012. Eurocare believes that it is crucial that a continuation is maintained and that a new comprehensive strategy is developed in the EU to tackle the alcohol related harm.
In November 2011 Eurocare has together with 87 organisations called upon the European Commission and Member States to work on the new strategy. You can find more information on Call for Action on EU Alcohol Strategy.
EU Alcohol and Health Forum
The EU Alcohol and Health Forum is a platform where bodies active at European level can debate, compare approaches and act to tackle alcohol related harm. Visit the European Commission's webpage for more information about the EU Alcohol and Health Forum.
Members of the Forum have made a series of 'commitments', voluntary actions aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm. All commitments submitted so far can be found on the Commitments Database.
In September 2008, and updated in 2009, a Summary Report on Commitments made by members of the European Alcohol and Health Forum was published by DG Sanco.
Eurocare Commitments
Eurocare is a founding member of the European Alcohol and Health Forum, and has submitted the following commitments:
- Awareness raising of the link between drinking alcohol and risk of developing certain types of cancer (together with Association of European Cancer Leagues)
- Raising awareness of drinking alcohol while pregnant
- Supporting the creation of an Alcohol Policy Youth Network (APYN) (joint commitment with European Youth Forum)
- Awareness Raising of the Dangers of Drinking During Pregnancy (in particular, the organisation of an event in the European Parliament to mark International 'Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders' (FASD) Awareness Day)
- Creation of a new Eurocare website, intended to be a "one stop shop" on alcohol policy issues
Key Documents
Communication from the Commission on an EU strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol related harm (EU Alcohol Strategy)
On 24 October 2006, the European Commission adopted a Communication setting out a strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol-related harm. The EU Alcohol strategy has been awaited since in June 2001 the Council invited the Commission to put forward proposals for a comprehensive Community strategy aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm to complement national policies.
Council of the EU Conclusions
On 30 November 2006,the proposal from the Commission was unanimously endorsed by the Council of the EU, who warmly welcomed it and concurred with the 5 priority themes set out in the Commission's Communication.
The conclusions from the Council strengthened the public health perspective.
European Parliament resolution
On 5 September 2007, the members of the European Parliament adopted an amended report, prepared by Alessandro Foglietta, on the EU Strategy for Reducing Alcohol Related Harm.
The Parliament's report on the strategy proposed by the Commis...
European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) opinion
Adopted at its plenary session on 30 May 2007.
Eurocare Events
Why does Europe need an alcohol strategy? 27 June 2012, European Parliament, Brussels
On 27 June 2012, The European Alcohol Policy Alliance, Eurocare, held an event on the future of EU Alcohol Strategy, organised in cooperation with Eurohealthnet, European Transport Safety Council, Association of European Cancer Leagues and kindly hosted by Honourable Member of the European Parliament Anna Hedh (S&D, Sweden)
Why does Europe need an alcohol strategy? Event summary report
4th European Alcohol Policy Conference 21 – 22 June 2010, Brussels
After three successful conferences in 2004 (Warsaw), in 2006 (Helsinki) and 2008 (Barcelona), Eurocare chose the capital of the EU to hold the 4th European Alcohol Policy Conference.
An Alcohol Strategy for Europe? 31 January 2007, European Parliament, Brussels
On 31 January 2007, the Council of the Eu adopted its conclusion on the EU strategy to support Member States in combating alcohol related harm that the European Commission released on October 24th this year.
The EUROCARE Seminar brought together representatives from the Commission, the European Parliament, the WHO and the Public Health Community to analyse the virtues and shortcomings of the EU Alcohol Strategy and to discuss key questions, such as its implementation and follow-up.
News
Eurocare recommendations for a future EU Alcohol Strategy
Eurocare presents its view and recommendation for a comprehensive alcohol policy in the European Union 2013-2020
Why should the EU care about alcohol?
On June 27, the European Alcohol Policy Alliance, together with EuroHealthNet, the European Association of Cancer Leagues and the European Transport Safety Council, held an event highlighting the need to address alcohol related harm at the EU level.
Report from the Chair of the European Alcohol and Health Forum
Source: European Commission
The 10th Plenary meeting of the European Alcohol and Health Forum (EAHF) took place on 26 April 2012 in Brussels. The topic of the forum was responsible marketing.
Presentations and summary report from the Committee on National Alcohol Policy and Action meeting
Reports and presentations from the 9th meeting of the Committee on National Alcohol Policy and Action, 17 November 2011, is now available.
The Council of EU addressed alcohol in conclusions on closing health gaps
The Council of the European Union has adopted conclusions on closing health gaps within the EU through concerted action to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours
Clear call for a new Alcohol Strategy from CNAPA high level meeting
The 9th meeting of the Committee on National Alcohol Policy and Action (CNAPA), which took place in Brussels 17 November 2011, is calling for a comprehensive new EU strategy on alcohol related harm.
Commissioner Dalli: “The time for stepping up action is now. I invite you to meet the challenge”
In his speech to the European Alcohol and Health Forum, Commissioner for DG Health and Consumers, Mr John Dalli highlighted that Alcohol Strategy is an important part of the European Commission’s work.
Conclusions from the European Expert Conference on Alcohol (MEDUSA)
Eurocare met alcohol policy community at the European Expert Conference on alcohol in Poznan 11-12 October 2011.