EASL Congress 2025 – Alcohol Related Harm Sessions
EASL will mark a significant milestone in alcohol harm reduction and public health advocacy with a series of high-level activities on 7–8 May during EASL Congress 2025. The Opening Ceremony will feature influential voices including public health leaders from Spain and Estonia, and WHO Europe representatives, setting the tone for impactful dialogue on alcohol related harms. On the same day, the EASL Studio session “Beyond the Myths: Alcohol Harm and Policy Action” will bring together policymakers, healthcare professionals, patients, and media to address alcohol-related health challenges. The momentum continues on 8 May with the official launch of the European Alcohol Health Alliance, highlighting WHO’s Best Buys, policy implementation, and protecting youth—culminating in a powerful patient testimonial and expert panel discussion.
In collaboration with:
Opening Ceremony
“Turning Evidence into Action: Tackling Alcohol-Related Harms”
7 May, 10:30 - 11:30 CEST, De Groote Room
This high-level opening session sets the stage for EASL’s commitment to alcohol harm reduction. Leading voices from EASL, WHO Europe, and high-level public health officials will explore evidence-based policies to reduce alcohol-related harm, sharing diverse regional perspectives and policy approaches. The session will highlight the importance of multisectoral collaboration in shaping effective public health strategies.
Mr David Barrett
Internal Communications and Multimedia Manager, WHO Regional Office for Europe
Prof Aleksander Krag
EASL Secretary General
Dr Pedro Gullon
Secretary General of Public Health and Equity, Ministry of Health of Spain
Ms Riina Sikkut
Former Minister of Health and Labour of Estonia
Dr Carina Ferreira-Borges
Regional Adviser for Alcohol, Illicit drugs and Prison health, WHO Regional Office for Europe
EASL Studio
"Beyond the myths: alcohol harm and policy action"
7 May, 12:00 - 12:45 CEST
This interactive
Studio session will cut through common misconceptions about alcohol to address
its real-life health and societal impacts. Bringing together policymakers,
clinicians, and patients, the discussion will spotlight the urgency of action,
share personal stories, and explore what effective alcohol policy can—and
must—look like across Europe.
David Barrett
Internal Communications and Multimedia Manager, WHO Regional Office for Europe
Pedro Gullon
Secretary General of Public Health and Equity, Ministry of Health of Spain
Riina Sikkut
Former Minister of Health and Labour of Estonia
Margarida Santos
General Practitioner Portugal
Hazel Martin
BBC Journalist and Liver Patient
Aleksander Krag
EASL Secretary General
Official launch of the European Alcohol Health Alliance
8 May, 15:00-16:00 CEST
This pivotal session marks the official launch of the European Alcohol Health Alliance. Grounded in WHO’s “Best Buys,” the session will feature expert presentations on policy implementation, youth protection, and strategic advocacy. A powerful patient testimonial and a multi-expert panel discussion will reinforce the urgent need for coordinated efforts in tackling alcohol-related harms across Europe.
CHAIR
Prof Shira Zelber-Sagi
EASL Policy, Public Health & Advocacy Councillor
CHAIR
Dr Catherine Paradis
Technical Officer for Alcohol, Special Initiative on NCDs and Innovation, WHO Regional Office for Europe
Advancing Public Health Through WHO’s Best Buys: Lessons, Challenges, and the Urgent Case for an Alcohol Alliance
Dr Catherine Paradis
Technical Officer for Alcohol, Special Initiative on NCDs and Innovation, WHO Regional Office for Europe
Reducing Alcohol Harms: Improving Policy Implementation
Prof Frank Murray
EASL Policy, Public Health & Advocacy Committee Member & Chair of Alcohol Action Ireland)
Protecting Children & Youth from Alcohol Related Harms
Dr Ann de Guchtenaere
European Academy of Paediatrics
Interview: Patient Testimonial & Panorama Documentary: Binge Drinking and Me
Ms Hazel Martin
BBC Journalist and Liver Patient
Panel Discussion
Prof Frank Murray
EASL Policy, Public Health & Advocacy Committee Member & Chair of Alcohol Action Ireland)
Dr Ann de Guchtenaere
European Academy of Paediatrics
Dr Carina Ferreira-Borges
Regional Advisor, Unit Head Alcohol, Illicit Drugs and Prison Health, WHO Europe
