Alcohol Policy Network in the Context of a Larger Europe
Bridging the Gap (Btg): 2004-2006
The Eurocare project, Alcohol Policy Network in the Context of a Larger Europe: Bridging the Gap (BtG) was funded by the European Commission for the years 2004-2006. The project included partners in 30 European countries as well as the World Health Organization (European Office), the European Youth Forum, and the European Public Health Alliance.
The main aim of the project was to create a vibrant alcohol policy network to further the development of an integrated Community strategy to reduce alcohol related-harm in the context of a larger Europe as embodied in the Council's conclusions of 5 June 2001, and to support and encourage European countries to implement the Council Recommendation on the drinking of alcohol by young people.
The deliverables of the Bridging the Gap 2004-2006 Project were:
- European Alcohol Policy Network, together with collaboration and coordination with other multi-annual projects in the field of alcohol
- Report of current alcohol policy, identifying barriers and facilitators in all Member States, also new Member States and applicant countries.
- Launch of the Network at a conference in Poland in 2004. The conference was marketed to policy makers, programme implementers, health promoters, prevention specialists and prevention planners working in governmental and non-governmental organisations.
- Series of theatre sketches contrasting stakeholder views on alcohol policy to convey complex policy issues in an innovative way to and by young people.
A youth alcohol policy questionnaire will be produced and distributed for young people by young people.
- An alcohol advocacy policy manual (Advocacy Tool Kit) will be created to meet the needs of policy makers and programme implementers.
- Two advocacy training schools for policy makers and programme implementers will be convened in order to build consensus in favour of health and social-minded reform.
- Alcohol policy technical visits to all applicant countries new Member States and EU applicant countries.