European Commissioner for Health Mr Andriukaitis has fiercely criticized alcohol industry lobbyists and spoke passionately about alcohol-related deaths
Commissioner Andriukaitis lamented the influence of powerful corporate lobbyists for the alcohol industry this week, calling them “blind” to the premature deaths of their customers.
Much of the commissioner’s remarks focused on alcohol, and Andriukaitis, a doctor by training, had harsh words for corporate interests. He said the sensitive issues of pricing, marketing and labeling should all be addressed at the EU level.
“But believe me it is not so easy,” the former health minister for Lithuania said.
Some public health advocates, however, contend that action instead of words would suit Mr Andriukaitis better. IOGT International colleague From SHAAP made the case that:
“The previous commissioner … also indicated his support but that hasn’t stopped the Commission putting up lawyers at the ECJ to argue against the Scottish Government’s legislation,” said Eric Carlin, director of Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP).
“No doubt influenced by industry lobbyists.”
Commissioner Andriukaitis sought to dispel the view that the European Commission has abandoned the efforts for a new EU Alcohol, Strategy, ignoring both Member States as well as the European Parliament. No decision has been made, he said.