EU Alcohol Strategy resolutions ‘disheartening’

The secretary general of Eurocare has written an open letter to the European Parliament urging MEPs to put public heath at the forefront of any amendments to the EU Alcohol Strategy.

Mariann Skar, secretary general of Eurocare, has written an open letter asking MEPs to put public health first when amending the EU’s Alcohol Strategy

Written to the European Parliament Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), Mariann Skar urges MEPs to put “public health at the forefront” of their considerations over the resolution, which so far have “over 360 amendments”.

The first EU Alcohol Strategy was brought in by the European Commission from 2006 to 2012 and outlined a strategy to support member states in reducing alcohol-related harm.

In 2011, Eurocare (European Alcohol Policy Alliance), along with 88 other European organisations, called for a comprehensive Alcohol Policy Strategy from 2013 to 2020.

In the letter Skar writes that Eurocare “welcome your interest in this important public health topic” and notes that “reducing alcohol-induced harm is an active investment into our economies that cuts long-term healthcare expenditures on severe diseases and raises workforce productivity”.

However, she continues to express concern over the resolutions: “We are particularly disappointed to observe that the ENVI Committee resolution amendments in some aspects appear to do more to promote commercial interests than public health.”

“Disheartening”

She continues to describe several amendments as “disheartening” for rejecting notions of better regulation and enforcement of age limits; better consumer information through labelling of nutritional information; a new strategy that will support member states in their efforts; and a measurable time frame.

“It is especially concerning to see amendments suggesting that public money should be spent on campaigns promoting alcohol consumption when the EU has already committed more than a billion euros to support marketing campaigns over the next three years,” she added.

“Accordingly, as members of the ENVI committee we would urge you to place public health at the forefront of your deliberations.”

The open letter was written on behalf of Eurocare, the European Public Health Alliance, the European Assocition for the Study of the Liver, the European Liver Patients Association, United European Gastroenterology, the Association of European Cancer Leagues, Standing Committee of European Doctors, Royal College of Physicians and the British Medical Association.

Last week, the UK’s House of Lords criticised the EU’s alcohol strategy and urged member states to focus on labelling and taxation to tackle alcohol-related harm.