ALCOHOL policy, liver disease prevention and alcohol risk communication were central themes during a session at European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) 2026. The session brought together clinicians, policymakers and public health advocates to examine efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm across Europe.
The discussion focused on translating clinical evidence into policy action, with alcohol highlighted as a major driver of liver disease. Speakers also noted wider impacts of drinking that extend beyond hepatology into cancer, cardiology, psychiatry, injury and wider social harms.
Alcohol-related liver disease, caused by sustained alcohol exposure, remains a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. Prevention-focused alcohol policy was presented as a key opportunity to reduce disease burden at population level.
Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Evidence and Policy
Carina Ferreira-Borges discussed how one of the major challenges in alcohol policy is the gap between clinical evidence and implementation. This is exacerbated as alcohol is more widely available than ever and heavily marketed.
A recurring point was that alcohol should not be viewed solely as a liver issue, given its multisystem effects and broader economic and societal burden.
The EHAA, which now brings together 28 member organisations, supports member states in policy discussions focused on reducing alcohol-related harm.
Push for Clearer Alcohol Labelling
The session also referenced recent European Parliament support for the term “reduced-alcohol” on wine labels, as outlined in an EHAA and EASL statement shared during the meeting.
The position rejected descriptors such as “low-alcohol” or “light” for wines containing up to 6% alcohol by volume. It argued that “reduced-alcohol” reflects a factual reduction in alcohol content without implying health or risk-related benefits, while alternative terms may mislead consumers and conflict with EU food law principles.
This framing was linked within the session to wider European prevention priorities, including cancer and liver disease reduction strategies.
Cardiovascular Risk and Uncertainty Around Low Intake
Monica Tiberi, speaking as a member of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, said heavy and binge drinking are harmful to cardiovascular health, while uncertainty still remains around cardiovascular risk at lower levels of intake.
WHO figures presented estimated that alcohol consumption resulted in 2.6 million deaths globally in 2019, highlighting the scale of population-level harm attributed to alcohol use.
Commercial Determinants of Health
The discussion turned to the commercial determinants of health, describing how industry strategies can influence consumer behaviour, shape policy and affect public perceptions of alcohol-related risk.
Healthcare professionals were encouraged to play a stronger role in countering misinformation, promoting evidence-based communication and supporting alcohol harm prevention policies across Europe.
Conclusion
Taken together, the session reflected a broader shift in how alcohol-related harm is being discussed across Europe, with liver disease increasingly positioned within a wider prevention and policy agenda. Alongside clinical evidence, speakers highlighted the role of labelling, marketing regulation, public health communication and cross-sector collaboration in shaping future approaches to alcohol harm reduction.
Reference
Paradis C et al. European Health Alliance on Alcohol: alcohol and the liver – turning clinical evidence into policy action. 2026. Oral presentation. EASL 2026, 27-30 May, 2026.
Featured image: Pixel-Shot on Adobe Stock
