Alcohol abuse costs Europe €125 billion every year in crime and health-related costs, a conference in Dublin was told today.
The conference, Working Together to Reduce Alcohol Related Harm, was organised by the alcohol social responsibility group Meas and was addressed by Robert Madelin, EU Director General for Health and Consumer Protection.
Mr Madelin detailed how excessive alcohol consumption across the EU is one of the main causes of premature death and avoidable disease, with consequent negative impact on economic development and society's wellbeing as a whole.
He urged organisations and governments to work together to educate society on the harm caused by excessive drinking.
Tackling the problem requires a wide range of responses, including legislation, education programmes, community involvement and a range of intervention services, he said.
Meas Chief Executive Fionnuala Sheehan said she wanted to encourage informed debate on initiatives to reduce alcohol-related harm through stakeholder partnerships, and to identify key areas for policy and initiative development.