Alcohol consumption in the European Union has seen a gradual decline over the past decade, dropping by 0.5 litres per person between 2010 and 2020, according to new data released by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the overall downward trend, several countries have recorded rising alcohol intake, highlighting differing national habits and health strategies across the continent.

The data reveals that Europeans have been steadily reducing their alcohol consumption over the last four decades. In the EU, the average annual consumption per person aged 15 and over fell from 12.7 litres in 1980 to 9.8 litres in 2020 — a 23% decline. However, the pace of reduction has slowed, with only a 0.5-litre decrease recorded between 2010 and 2020.

The WHO’s broader European Region, which includes 53 countries such as Russia and other non-EU nations, reported a drop from 12 litres in 2000 to 9.5 litres in 2020. Nevertheless, this region continues to top global charts for alcohol consumption, with average intake equivalent to 190 litres of beer, 80 litres of wine, or 24 litres of spirits per person annually.

National data shows stark differences. In 2020, alcohol consumption ranged from as low as 1.2 litres in Turkey to 12.1 litres in Latvia among 36 countries, including EU members, the UK, and EU candidate states. Latvia saw the highest increase in consumption over the decade, rising by 2.3 litres. Other countries with notable increases included Bulgaria (+1.4L), Malta (+1.1L), Romania, and Poland (both +1L).

Conversely, 25 countries reported declines, with Ireland and Lithuania recording the largest drop of 2.1 litres each. Spain and Greece followed closely with 2-litre decreases. Other nations such as the Netherlands, France, and Finland also posted reductions of more than 1.5 litres.

Percentage-wise, Greece led with a 24.1% drop in alcohol consumption, followed by the Netherlands, Spain, and Turkey. Latvia, on the other hand, saw a 23.5% increase, the largest among all countries analyzed.

Heavy drinking remains a concern, especially among men. In 2019, 19% of adults in EU countries reported binge drinking (consuming over 60 grams of pure alcohol in one sitting) at least once a month. Men were more than twice as likely as women to engage in such behavior, with the highest rates reported in Romania, Denmark, and Germany.

Education and income also play a role. Surprisingly, higher education levels are linked to more frequent binge drinking, though individuals with lower socioeconomic status face a heavier burden of alcohol-related harm.

Despite declining trends, health officials stress that no amount of alcohol is safe. “The risk to health starts from the first drop,” warned Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges of the WHO, reiterating that reducing consumption is the safest path forward.

A leading German consumer group has raised concerns about the safety and necessity of dietary supplements for children, after testing 18 common products and finding issues in 17 of them. The findings highlight the potential risks of excessive vitamin intake and misleading advertising by supplement manufacturers.

High Dosages and Questionable Claims

Berlin-based consumer organization Stiftung Warentest conducted an analysis of 18 widely available children’s dietary supplements. The group examined their ingredients, compared them with recommended nutrient intake levels, and evaluated the accuracy of their advertised benefits. The results were alarming—15 of the products contained dosages exceeding recommended levels for children, while five had vitamin A levels higher than the maximum safe limit for adults.

The group concluded that these supplements are “unnecessary at best and risky at worst.” Their findings align with the stance of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), which states that food supplements are generally not needed for healthy individuals with balanced diets and cannot compensate for poor nutrition.

Growing Popularity Despite Risks

Dietary supplements, regulated as food products in the European Union, have gained widespread popularity in recent years. A 2022 survey across 14 EU countries found that 93% of adults had used supplements in the past year, primarily for perceived health benefits.

For children, supplements are often marketed as tools to enhance growth, cognitive function, or immune strength. However, Stiftung Warentest’s analysis suggests that some of these claims may be misleading.

“Manufacturers use enticing messages and suggestive images to make their products appealing to parents—sometimes using advertising claims that are illegal,” the group reported.

When Supplements Might Be Necessary

While Stiftung Warentest’s findings highlight significant concerns, some experts caution against completely dismissing dietary supplements. Dr. Berthold Koletzko, president of the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) and a paediatric gastroenterologist at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, acknowledges that most children do not require supplements but notes exceptions.

“There are young children and adolescents with suboptimal supplies of critical nutrients and even deficiencies,” Koletzko said, pointing to vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids as examples.

Certain dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or gluten-free diets, may increase the need for supplementation. A 2017 study found that 3.4% of German children aged 6 to 17 were vegetarians, a number Koletzko believes has since increased. Additionally, children living in areas with limited sunlight may require vitamin D supplementation.

However, Koletzko warns that not all supplements are equal. Gummy vitamins, for instance, are often high in sugar and may encourage overconsumption due to their candy-like appearance. Excessive vitamin and mineral intake can lead to digestive issues, including stomach discomfort and loose stools.

Expert Advice is Essential

For parents concerned about their child’s nutrition, Koletzko emphasizes the importance of consulting a trusted healthcare professional.

“If you choose a supplement, it’s crucial to select the right one and get advice from your paediatrician,” he advised.

As the debate over dietary supplements continues, Stiftung Warentest’s findings serve as a reminder that parents should approach them with caution, prioritizing a balanced diet over unnecessary supplementation.

The pharmaceutical industry is bracing for potential upheaval as the United States considers imposing tariffs on drug imports, a move that could send shockwaves across global markets. President Donald Trump has signaled his intent to impose a 25% tariff on pharmaceuticals as part of a broader strategy to bring drug manufacturing back to the US.

Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday night, Trump confirmed his administration’s plans to target the pharmaceutical sector.

“We’re going to be doing tariffs on pharmaceuticals to bring our pharmaceuticals back,” he stated.

While the move aims to bolster domestic production, experts warn that the tariffs could lead to unintended consequences, including higher drug prices and supply chain disruptions that would impact both American and European companies. The US, a major importer of pharmaceuticals, heavily depends on European manufacturers for specialized medications. In 2023 alone, the US imported $170 billion (€157 billion) worth of pharmaceutical products, with $127 billion (€117 billion) coming from the EU.

European Markets at Risk

European pharmaceutical firms are particularly vulnerable to the proposed tariffs. Ireland, a key hub for American pharmaceutical companies, could face severe economic repercussions. In 2023, Ireland exported over €80 billion worth of pharmaceuticals to the US, accounting for more than half of its total exports. Major US firms like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Eli Lilly have significant operations in Ireland, and potential tariffs could lead to job losses and reduced investment.

Denmark’s pharmaceutical sector, especially Novo Nordisk, is also at risk. The company, a leader in diabetes and obesity treatments, generates over 50% of its revenue from the US market. Increased costs due to tariffs could impact American patients while also denting Denmark’s economic growth. The success of Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has been a major driver of Denmark’s GDP, contributing nearly half of its economic growth in 2023.

Impact on Other European Nations

Beyond Ireland and Denmark, other European pharmaceutical hubs would also feel the strain. Belgium, home to Pfizer’s major European production facilities, exported over $73 billion in pharmaceuticals in 2024, with a quarter of those exports going to the US. Germany’s pharmaceutical and biotech industries, including major players like Bayer and BioNTech, could also face setbacks. France, Italy, and Switzerland—key exporters of vaccines, generics, and high-value specialty drugs—would experience supply chain disruptions and financial strain.

EU Retaliation on the Horizon?

If the US proceeds with tariffs, the European Union may impose retaliatory measures targeting American pharmaceutical companies. The European Commission is reportedly exploring countermeasures, including higher export costs for US firms such as Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson.

Additionally, the EU could prioritize domestic pharmaceutical companies in government contracts and revive stalled regulatory reforms, such as the General Pharmaceutical Legislation (GPL) reform, which aims to strengthen Europe’s pharmaceutical sovereignty. The recently proposed Critical Medicines Act could also serve as a framework to counterbalance US trade policies.

With negotiations ongoing, the global pharmaceutical industry is closely watching developments, as any trade war in this sector would have far-reaching consequences for businesses, patients, and healthcare systems on both sides of the Atlantic.