Alcohol control policies at the European Union level: interest groups and arguments used in participatory periods.

Abstract

Introduction: Although the World Health Organization European Region has the highest alcohol consumption per capita in litres per day, and a high alcohol-related burden of disease, the alcohol industry participates in policymaking auscultation periods at the European Union level. This study aims to map the interest groups present in participatory periods in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022 European Commission's alcohol taxation and cross-border regulation initiatives, and identify the arguments used by the different actors. Methods and Design: We used a qualitative content analysis with a deductive-inductive approach on the comments submitted on the official European Commission website during the participation periods of 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022. Results: Opponents of changes to the structures of alcohol excise duties and cross-border regulations were mostly representatives of the alcohol and agricultural industries, and the proponents were mostly nongovernmental organizations. Opponents of these alcohol-control policies used a wide variety of arguments, ranging from economic arguments to health arguments, while proponents' argumentation focused on the effectiveness of alcohol taxation, the need for new regulations with easier enforcement, and the need for additional prevention interventions. Conclusion: These findings provide an opportunity for public health institutions better prepare for upcoming discussions on alcohol taxation at the country and regional-levels, and better understand the role of lobbying in alcohol control, especially under the action taken after the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.