The backdrop to the conference is the unacceptably high level of alcohol-related harm in the EU. One of the issues Sweden has chosen to highlight during its Presidency is ongoing work on reducing alcohol-related harm. This is not only a means for the EU to promote a positive health development. It will also contribute to social and economic development in Europe. The trend of harm due to alcohol is an important issue for the EU. Effective methods exist for preventing and reducing the harm caused by alcohol. Used properly, these methods could save thousands of lives and give increased protection to children and young people. The EU stands united behind the Alcohol Strategy adopted by the Commission and the Council of the European Union in 2006 and Member States and EU institutions will continue to work along the lines laid down in the strategy.

“We need to increase our efforts and raise the degree of awareness to a higher level,” said Minister for Elderly Care and Public Health Maria Larsson in her opening speech. “Harmful drinking is not just a problem for the individual. It is also a problem for the family, health and medical services and the whole of society.”

Protection of children, young people and unborn children

The number one goal of the EU Alcohol Strategy is to protect children, young people and unborn children from alcohol-related harm. And it was this goal that was the theme of the first day of the conference.

“Exposure to alcohol during fetal life may disturb the fine tuning that the wiring of the brain goes through at different levels,” said Professor Hugo Lagercrantz, who introduced the conference block Ways to protect the unborn child.

Robert Madelin, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Consumer Affairs (SANCO), concluded the conference block Ways to protect children and young people.
“Europe is still the region with the highest alcohol consumption in the world,” said Mr Madelin. “A well-balanced mix of effective methods is needed to reduce alcohol harm in the EU. One of the ingredients in this mix is restrictions. Another is increased involvement on the part of economic actors.”

Advertising and marketing of alcohol

The afternoon conference block was about Ways of protecting children and young people from different forms of alcohol commercial communication.
“Evidence shows that alcohol marketing increases the likelihood that adolescents will start to use alcohol, and to drink more if they are already drinking,” said public health consultant Dr Peter Andersson.

The afternoon programme block Are there any effective awareness raising activities in place? ended with a round table discussion on the topic Are we doing enough to protect children and young people? led by Robert Madelin, in which Maria Larsson also participated.