European Region Consultation on the implementation and achievements of the WHO European Action Plan to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol 2012–2020

Abstract

This report summarizes the outcomes of two consultation meetings convened by the WHO Regional Office for Europe with Member States and civil society organizations in order to revisit the implementation of the policy areas for action defined in the European Action Plan to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol 2012–2020. Additional aims of the consultations included discussing achievements, identifying obstacles for implementation, and outlining the way forward. Areas with the lowest policy implementation were linked to pricing policies, marketing, availability of alcoholic beverages, reducing the negative consequences of drinking and alcohol intoxication and alcohol labelling. Conclusions highlight the need for a roadmap to strengthen policy areas with lower levels of implementation in order to guide Member States towards implementation.