European Wine Industry Backs UN Effort to Curb Harmful Alcohol Use

European wine companies have expressed their support for a new United Nations initiative aimed at promoting health and well-being by reducing the harmful use of alcohol. The Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV), which represents the interests of European wine producers, welcomed the Political Declaration negotiated at the UN’s 4th High-Level Meeting on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The declaration is expected to be formally adopted at the upcoming UN General Assembly in October.

The CEEV stated that it supports comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to address NCDs, which include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases. These conditions are among the leading causes of death worldwide. The organization emphasized that the new UN declaration recognizes the importance of focusing on reducing harmful alcohol use rather than penalizing moderate and responsible consumption.

Earlier this year, a CEEV delegation participated in the UN Multistakeholder Forum in New York, where they shared the wine sector’s perspective on responsible drinking. The group said it welcomes the UN’s “whole-of-society” approach, which encourages collaboration between governments, civil society, and private industry to tackle global health challenges.

The Political Declaration builds on previous international efforts such as the 2010 Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol and the 2022 Global Alcohol Action Plan. According to data cited by CEEV, these initiatives have contributed to a more than 20 percent decline in deaths linked to alcohol between 2010 and 2019. During the same period, alcohol-related disability decreased by about 17 percent worldwide.

CEEV highlighted its own contributions to these efforts through programs like Wine in Moderation, launched in 2008. This initiative promotes responsible drinking habits and aims to help consumers make informed choices about alcohol consumption. The organization said it remains committed to supporting public health goals while also safeguarding Europe’s wine heritage and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The European wine industry is a major economic force, with millions of jobs linked to vineyards, production facilities, distribution networks, and tourism. Industry leaders say that promoting moderation is key to balancing public health concerns with cultural traditions and economic interests.

As governments and international organizations continue to address noncommunicable diseases and mental health issues, European wine companies say they will work within global frameworks to encourage responsible consumption. They argue that cooperation between science, policy makers, and industry can lead to meaningful progress in reducing harm while preserving important aspects of European culture.