Press Release: Eurobarometer: an overwhelming majority of Europeans support public policies aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm

Alcohol consumption in the European Union is at a similar level to four years ago, a Eurobarometer survey showed on 21 April 2010. Three out of four respondents said they consume alcoholic drinks up to three times a week. Young people aged 15-24 years are more likely than older age groups to have five or more drinks at a time, and frequent binge drinking is widespread across the EU. Awareness of specific health risks varies. There is high awareness that harmful consumption is linked to liver diseases but low awareness that it also causes cancer. Since 2006, the European Commission has worked with national authorities, NGOs and industry to reduce alcohol related harm.