Evelin Ilves

Alcohol-related harm perspectives

First Lady of Estonia Mrs Evelin Ilves at 6th European Alcohol Policy Conference in Brussels, 24 October 2014

Good morning, honored guests. I am glad to be here and have a chance to participate in this conference. Eurocare is doing much important work in creating a platform for us to come together to continue work on a common vision on how to reduce alcohol's harm in Europe - so thank you.

According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is the third leading risk factor for disease and mortality in Europe.

The European continent continues to drink twice the amount of alcohol compared to the world average - in 2010 Europe consumed 10.2 liters of pure alcohol per capita and our collective over-consumption cost Europe 156 billion euros in premature deaths, sickness and lost productivity – this is one expensive habit!

We are often made to believe that changing the role of alcohol in society is almost impossible, because for such a long time alcohol has played a part in the cultural, culinary and agricultural life of European societies. Alcohol has provided significant agricultural and industrial revenues and the industries that alcohol fuels have generated many jobs.

However, given the many complex demographic and economic challenges of the twenty first century, we must see through the PR, come together and take a new, thorough look at alcohol's role in European culture and traditions. We as the policy-makers, influencers of legislation, and researchers, must help to reconsider the role of alcohol also in culture and tradition, and hold ourselves accountable for different policy and regulation when it appears that the revenues from alcohol do not fully cover the costs from the damage over-consumption causes. In order for the role of alcohol in our economies and cultures to change, the legislative and policy environment must also change.'

What could help us convince the many interested stakeholders that over-consumption of alcohol may become incompatible in the long term with an innovative, educated and adaptive workforce that European strategy documents say we need?

27.11.2014

Photos

Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Evelin Ilves to divorce

Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Evelin Ilves have decided to dissolve their marriage, which was concluded in 2004. They have reached this decision mutually. According to their agreement, the divorce will take effect on 30 April 2015.

17.04.2015

Evelin Ilves presented the Young Athlete’s Prizes

Today, at the Office of the President of the Republic, Evelin Ilves, supported by Nordea Bank, presented the 2,100 euro Young Athlete's Prizes to chess player Mai Narva, orienteer Siim Helmoja and swimmer Maria Rein.

18.02.2015

Evelin Ilves in Brussels: Europe needs a single vision to reduce alcohol-related harm

"Alcohol is a serious problem across Europe because on average twice as much alcohol is consumed here than in the rest of the world. We have to continue working in the name of a single European alcohol strategy that enables governments to achieve their goals more efficiently," Evelin Ilves said as the keynote speaker of the 6th European Alcohol Policy Conference in Brussels.

27.11.2014