Special Topics
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. 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.
Alcohol and Health Forum
The European Commission's Alcohol and Health Forum is a multistakeholder platform bringing together 40 NGO’s and economic operators (alcohol producers, retailers, advertisers, and publishers) committed to voluntary actions to reduce alcohol related harm in Europe.
Advertising
Alcohol advertising at EU level is regulated by
In 2003, the Commission took the initiative to revise the Television without Frontiers Directive, a directive that Eurocare has followed closely, in an attempt to influence policymakers to take a more health friendly approach with regards to advertising.
The need for modernisation of the directive is due to the fact that the audiovisual industry is undergoing major changes, driven by the convergence of technologies and services: traditional (linear) TV, Internet TV, TV on mobile phones and other mobile devices, etc.
Labeling
On 30 January 2008 the European Commission adopted a proposal on the provision of food information to consumers.
The proposal aims at modernising EU food labelling rules and making food labels clearer and more relevant to the needs of EU consumers. Under the Draft Regulation proposal, foodstuffs are required to list the ingredients and to display key nutritional information on the front of the package. ”. Despite their potential for harm to health, the Commission has decided to exempt alcoholic beverages from the obligation to list the ingredients and to provide for a nutrition declaration.
Alcohol Policy and the WHO
Alcohol is consumed all over the world as part of celebrations, social gatherings and daily life. There are, however, adverse side effects of consuming alcohol including, but not limited to, physical injuries, social harm and dependence. In response to the wide range of alcohol use, the WHO has created various strategies. For more information, go to the WHO's global website or the WHO's regional European website.
Road Safety
Within the European Commission's strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm, reducing injuries and deaths from alcohol-related road accidents is a main priority. The EU aims to support Member States in their efforts to reduce road accidents and fatalities as part of the strategy's focus on alcohol as a lifestyle and health determinant.
Alcohol and Pregnancy
On October 24 the European Commission adopted a Communication setting out a strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol-related harm. The priorities identified in the Communication are to :
- protect young people, children and the unborn child;
http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_determinants/life_style/alcohol/alcohol_com_en.htm
