Alcohol consumption is a growing public health issue in the EU.
Whilst drinking beer, wine and spirits is a fundamental part of the European tradition and an essential dimension of the European economy, alcohol is also a principle determinant of health risks and other problems such as domestic violence and crime and disorder. Indeed, alcohol is ahead of obesity and illicit drugs as the third highest causal factor leading to ill-health and death in the European Union.
EU citizens experience the highest rate of alcohol consumption in the world (11 litres of pure alcohol per adult each year), and on top of the already serious public health concerns over binge-drinking, statistics on alcohol-related violence make sobering reading:
- 1 in 6 cases of child abuse is related to alcohol
- Between 7 and 9 million children live in families adversely affected by alcohol
- Up to 2 in 5 cases of domestic violence inflicted on women are linked to alcohol
On 24 October 2006, the European Commission adopted a milestone for reducing alcohol related harm with a key Communication setting out a strategy to support Member States and establishing an Alcohol and Health Forum, which would help in disseminating good practices. The Progress report, presented in September 2009, demonstrated that positive steps had been made to meet the 2012 objectives, however there is still much to be done.
This timely International Symposium seeks to harness actions which have been put in place to reduce alcohol-related harm and share good practices, as well as identify gaps where further progress can be made. In order to face up to this public health 'time-bomb', as well as redoubling efforts to raise general public awareness, the European Union is seeking to work closer together with stakeholders to synergise EU policy with the national health policies implemented by Member States. The symposium will examine the latest initiatives at both EU and national level, discuss the range of alcohol-focused projects supported by the World Health Organisation and consider recommendations for future actions to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol misuse.
The Centre for Parliamentary Studies welcomes the participation of all key partners, responsible authorities and stakeholders. The Symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate
More Synposium Information
