Alcohol remains a major European health challenge
Alcohol consumption contributes to a broad range of health and social harms, including liver disease, cardiovascular conditions, injuries, dependence and several types of cancer.
Consumption levels and drinking patterns differ considerably between Member States. National governments also follow different approaches to taxation, availability, advertising, prevention and treatment.
For this reason, EU countries retain primary responsibility for their national alcohol policies. European action complements those policies where coordination, common legislation, comparable evidence or Single Market measures can provide added value.
The 2006 EU Alcohol Strategy
In 2006, the European Commission adopted COM(2006) 625 – An EU strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol-related harm.
The strategy identified five priorities: protecting young people, children and the unborn child; reducing alcohol-related road deaths and injuries; preventing harm among adults and in workplaces; improving information and awareness; and developing a common evidence base.
Its implementation was subsequently assessed in 2009 and 2013. The 2006 Strategy remains an important historical policy reference, but it should not be presented as a newly adopted or comprehensive current EU alcohol strategy.
Coordination between Member States
The Committee on National Alcohol Policy and Action (CNAPA) supports cooperation between national authorities. It provides a forum for exchanging information, discussing policy developments and sharing good practice.
The Commission also works with the World Health Organization to monitor trends in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm and to improve the European evidence base.
Alcohol and cancer prevention
Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan reinforced the role of alcohol policy within the EU prevention agenda. Harmful alcohol consumption is treated as a modifiable health and cancer risk alongside tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity and physical inactivity.
This has widened the policy debate beyond traditional alcohol strategies to include consumer information, marketing, health-risk communication, taxation and preventive action.
Main areas of EU action
Alcohol labelling and consumer information
Under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on Food Information to Consumers, alcoholic beverages containing more than 1.2% alcohol by volume remain generally exempt from the mandatory ingredients list and nutrition declaration unless more specific EU legislation applies.
Wine and aromatised wine products are an important exception. New sector-specific rules on ingredients and nutrition information entered into application on 8 December 2023.
Operators may provide certain information electronically under defined conditions, while energy information and allergens remain subject to specific presentation requirements. Wines produced before 8 December 2023 can continue to benefit from transitional arrangements until stocks are exhausted.
Advertising and audiovisual media
The Audiovisual Media Services Directive establishes EU rules for commercial communications involving alcoholic beverages.
Such communications may not be aimed specifically at minors, encourage immoderate consumption, associate alcohol with enhanced physical performance or driving, claim therapeutic qualities or suggest that alcohol contributes to social or sexual success.
