From July to December 2009, Sweden took responsibility for the Presidency of the EU. During its six-months in office, EASL welcomed Sweden's decision to put alcohol firmly back on the EU health agenda.

As part of the Presidencies activities, EASL was invited as a panelist to one of the meetings organised at the Expert Conference on Alcohol and Health, which took place on 21-23 September 2009. EASL representatives, Prof. Philippe Mathurin and Prof. Dominique Valla, put forward a series of scientific studies on the effects of alcohol on human health. Following the Expert Conference, EASL was pleased to see that the Presidency managed to reach a consensus amongst the 27 European Health Ministers to adopt Council Conclusions on Alcohol and Health, where bolder actions to reduce alcohol-related harm were suggested to the Commission and to the national governments.

EASL hopes that future EU Presidencies will carry on the Swedish Presidency's efforts to tackle alcohol-related issues and to prioritise public health.

The Council Conclusions on Alcohol and Health are available at:

http://www.se2009.eu/polopoly_fs/1.26039!menu/standard/file/CC%20alcohol%20and%20health.pdf