A recent article suggested that the alcohol sector was “inserting itself” into the discussion around the European Commission’s Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) plan. We respectfully disagree. As legitimate stakeholders, we have both the right and the responsibility to contribute to this important public health debate.
From the outset, our position has been clear: spiritsEUROPE welcomes the Commission’s ambition to improve cardiovascular health and supports prevention efforts, especially those addressing unhealthy behaviours and reducing risk factors for CVD.
It is well established that around 50% of CVD risk stems from non-modifiable factors such as genetics, age, and sex. The remainder is linked to modifiable factors including air pollution, diet, tobacco use, physical inactivity, stress, poor sleep, and harmful alcohol consumption. Evidence shows that the greatest risks are associated with smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and long-term harmful or heavy episodic drinking.
By contrast, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption has been associated in several peer-reviewed studies—including in the European Heart Journal and the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology—with a reduced risk of certain cardiovascular outcomes and type 2 diabetes, when part of a balanced lifestyle.
In Europe, the vast majority of adults (80–90%) consume alcohol in moderation, and trends are improving. According to WHO data, heavy episodic drinking declined by 1% between 2010 and 2019, while overall alcohol mortality fell by 21%. One projection study suggests alcohol-related mortality could halve in the EU by 2060.
Our conclusion is straightforward: the CVD plan should focus on tackling harmful drinking while empowering citizens to make informed lifestyle choices. Addressing this challenge requires a whole-of-society approach. We stand ready to contribute constructively to that shared goal.
