Monika Kosińska and Mariann Skar question the appropriateness of EU president Herman Van Rompuy’s support for Europe’s alcohol industry.

Last month, the Parliament Magazine published an article entitled “Tax hike ‘could hit beer industry hard’” detailing comments made by EU president Herman Van Rompuy during a meeting organised by the Brewers of Europe. The European Public Health Alliance’s (EPHA) president Archie Turnbull responded to Van Rompuy’s comments in an open letter questioning the appropriateness of the president’s intervention. Van Rompuy’s statements, that beer “strengthens social cohesion” and is a “symbol of hospitality and conviviality”, are inappropriate in light of evidence and reality across Europe. Levels of alcohol consumption in Europe are damaging and unacceptable – with a recent studies showing that alcohol is more harmful than heroin.