Both documents are released timely to contribute to the forthcoming EU Strategy on alcohol due to be adopted in September 2006. They give recommendations about cost-effective measures to tackle alcohol-related harm and abuses.
Alcohol in Europe
The report analysis the situation of alcohol in Europe: the health burden, the impact on individuals and societies, the main definitions, challenges, alcohol and the economy of Europe.
The report shows clearly that the impact of policies that support education, communication, training and public awareness is considered to be low. On the contrary, drinking-driving policies are very cost-effective measures to be taken. Regulating the alcohol market through taxation and restricting advertising and commercial communications are also very effective.
Based on a scientific review of existing studies, it concludes that the total tangible costs of alcohol to the EU society in 2003 was estimated to be 125 billion Euro, approximatively 1.3% of the EU GDP.
A comprehensive wide package of effective policies and programmes that include random breath testing, taxation, restricted access, advertising ban, brief physician advice is estimated to cost 1.3 billion Euro to implement - ie 1% of the total tangible costs.
The World Health Organisation European Region Framework on Alcohol policy
The WHO framework is to succeed to the WHO regional action plan, with more concrete strategic guidelines for policy options.
The framework aims to encourage and facilitate the development and implementation of global, regional, national and local policies to prevent and reduce the harm caused by alcohol.
After having reviewed the most recent data about alcohol in European and the existing initiatives - among them, the Bridging the Gap project is listed -, the report identifies 10 areas for action:
1. Information and education,
2. Public, private and working environments,
3. Drink-driving,
4. Availability of alcohol products,
5. Promotion of alcohol products,
6. Treatment,
7. Responsibilities of the alcoholic beverage industry and hospitality sector,
8. Society’s capacity to respond to alcohol-related harm,
9. NGOs,
10. Formulation, implementation and monitoring of policy.
According to the framework, a strong case can be made to restrict the availability of alcohol products through an effective taxation policy and limiting the hours of sales.
The frameworks also emphasizes the participation of civil society as essential in prevention, treatment, and reduction of alcohol related problems in society, as well as in advocating to ensure that Member States develop and implement effective alcohol policies.
Non governmental organisations are also recognised as "vital checks and balances by highlighting practices or policies of vested interests."
It foresees that a progress report on the framework should be produced every third year, together with the organisation of a high-level forum on alcohol to discuss the outcomes and recommendations of the progress report. The progress report shall highlight levels of implementation and emerging challenges and threats to public health.
European Community and WHO EURO instruments on alcohol
WHO EURO:
Declaration on Young People and Alcohol (2001)
European Community:
Council Recommendation 2001/458/EC on the drinking of alcohol by young people
Council Conclusion 2001/C175/01 on a Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm, reiterated in 2004
The European Commission is to adopt a Community Strategy on alcohol in September-october 2006.
EPHA related articles:
Facts and Figures about alcohol
European Commission round table on Alcohol
