The Brewers of Europe

21/09/2026

The Brewers of Europe wishes Malta a very happy Independence Day! 🍻

Today, we celebrate Malta’s rich culture, traditions and brewing heritage, as well as the role beer plays in bringing people together.

The Permanent Representation of Malta to the European Union
Malta Chamber

16/09/2026

The European Parliament adopts its report on the EU cardiovascular diseases strategy

The European Parliament Plenary today approved its report on the EU cardiovascular diseases strategy, unchanged from the draft adopted in the Parliament’s SANT health committee before the summer. In a comprehensive report that looks at issues such as early detection, treatment, primary care, inequalities, data, research and funding, The Brewers of Europe welcomes the Parliament’s emphasis, in the Prevention chapter, on tackling harmful alcohol consumption through targeted, evidence-based policies. Such an approach should also be taken in the European Parliament’s upcoming review of the Europe Beating Cancer Plan.

We particularly welcome the focus on information, education, communication and awareness-raising initiatives, The Brewers of Europe having published in April this year the latest figures showing that 95% of beers in Europe label ingredients and 91% label calories. We also welcome the Parliament’s recognition that effective health policies require a whole-of-society approach, bringing together public authorities, healthcare professionals, civil society, consumers and economic operators.

In a context where WHO and EU statistics show alcohol-attributable mortality, underage drinking and binge drinking all falling since 2010, Europe’s brewers play a constructive role through responsible marketing, consumer information, innovation in lower- and non-alcohol products, and initiatives that encourage moderation. We look forward to continuing our activities and engagement with policymakers and stakeholders in support of the shared objective to reduce harmful alcohol consumption and improve cardiovascular health across Europe.

09/09/2026

What does three days at the EBC Congress look like? 🍺🔬

Testing whether the weight of a beer glass can influence taste perception. Using AI to better understand consumer preferences for non-alcoholic beers. Exploring ways to reduce breweries’ water footprint. Sharing new research on hops, yeast, fermentation and beer quality. And examining lessons from the world’s first zero-emission malthouse.

These are just some of the questions and ideas that filled the halls of the 40th EBC Congress in Rotterdam.

After three packed days of presentations, poster sessions, discussions and technical visits, this year’s Congress has now come to a close.

Thank you to everyone who presented their research, challenged ideas, asked questions and contributed to making this edition possible.

See you at the next EBC Congress! 🍻

07/09/2026

The 40th EBC Congress is officially underway in Rotterdam! 🍺

This morning, Julia Leferman, Secretary General of The Brewers of Europe, and Paul Lefebvre (Brasserie Lefebvre), President of the European Brewery Convention, opened three days of discussion, exchange and brewing science.

Nearly 80 years after the EBC was founded, its original purpose continues to drive the Congress. Around 500 brewers, maltsters, scientists, researchers, suppliers and technical experts are gathering in Rotterdam this week to share knowledge and explore some of the key issues shaping the future of brewing, from sustainability and decarbonisation to digitalisation and AI, raw materials, packaging, fermentation, quality and analysis.

Opening the Congress, Julia Leferman highlighted the importance of bringing scientific expertise into the wider debates affecting the brewing sector, reminding delegates that "good brewing policy needs good brewing science".
It is precisely this exchange of knowledge that has been at the heart of the EBC since its creation.

Looking ahead to the discussions of the coming days, Paul Lefebvre called on the brewing community to continue playing that role: "Time has come to fight against the darkness of ignorance with our favourite weapon, and this weapon is science".

Over the next three days, Rotterdam will be a meeting point for brewing science and industry, showing through cooperation, knowledge-sharing and innovation why .

03/09/2026

What’s really behind every glass of beer? 🍺

Across Europe, : brewing supports more than two million jobs and a vast network connecting farmers, brewers, hospitality businesses and local communities.

In her latest article for The Parliament, our Secretary General Julia Leferman looks beyond the glass at why beer is a strategic asset for Europe’s competitiveness.

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Europe's brewing sector supports millions of jobs and rural livelihoods, but faces a demanding economic environment and falling consumption, prompt...

31/08/2026

Where is Europe’s debate on alcohol policy heading?

An interesting analysis from The Economist looks at Belgium’s proposed alcohol advertising rules and the wider direction of alcohol policy across Europe.

While alcohol-related harm remains an important concern, for brewers and policymakers alike, the article also points to a broader shift already taking place. Beer consumption in the EU has fallen by 9.2% since 2019, while nearly 1 in 12 beers consumed today is alcohol-free.

As consumer habits evolve, it is important that alcohol policy remains balanced and evidence-based. This means highlighting the independent data clearly showing alcohol-attributable mortality, underage drinking and drink driving falling. It means acknowledging the clear distinctions made in scientific research between harmful drinking and moderate consumption. And it means recognising beer’s naturally lower alcohol profile and the opportunities presented by the growing range of lower- and no-alcohol alternatives.

A timely contribution to a debate that will continue to shape alcohol policy across Europe.

Sales of beer and wine have been sliding for years. Now some countries want to tighten regulations on alcohol. But there are diplomatic risks bit.ly/4gWedf4

Photo: Getty Images

20/08/2026

The Brewers of Europe wishes Hungary a very happy National Day! 🍻

Today, we celebrate Hungary's rich culture, traditions, and brewing heritage, as well as the role beer plays in bringing people together.

Magyarország Európai Unió melletti Állandó Képviselete
Sör mi több

19/08/2026

Rotterdam is getting closer 🍺🇳🇱

In less than three weeks, the brewing science community will gather in Rotterdam for the 40th EBC Congress, from 6 to 9 September.

will bring together researchers, brewers, scientists, technical experts, suppliers and industry partners to explore the latest research, technologies and innovations in and the wider beverage sector.

The programme will offer four days of scientific exchange, technical insight and opportunities to meet colleagues from across Europe and beyond. For those registering in August, a Technical Visit on 9 September is also included in the registration fee, subject to availability.

Haven’t registered yet? There is still time to join us 👇

🔗 https://www.ebc2026rotterdam.eu/registration/

17/08/2026

Rotterdam has always been a city in motion. Its beer scene is no exception 🍺

For our final Technical Visit spotlight, we turn to Kaapse Brouwers, an independent craft brewery capturing the colourful energy of Rotterdam since 2014.

Born on Rotterdam’s waterfront, Kaapse Brouwers wears its local identity proudly. Even its beers take their names from the history of Katendrecht, the neighbourhood where the brewery began. During the visit, delegates will explore the techniques, ingredients and equipment behind Kaapse’s beers, with insights from the brewing team and a guided tasting.

The Technical Visit will take place on 9 September at 14:00 in Rotterdam. As a special August offer, delegates who register for will receive a complimentary Technical Visit of their choice, subject to availability. Technical Visits are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss the opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of Rotterdam’s distinctive craft breweries.

🔗 https://www.ebc2026rotterdam.eu/registration/

14/08/2026

Europe’s industrial heritage has its own routes. And one of them follows beer 🍻

The ERIH - European Route of Industrial Heritage has mapped brewing sites across the continent. Together, they show how centuries of brewing have left their mark on European landscapes and history.

And there are plenty of stops to choose from:
🇪🇪 Explore brewing history at a beer museum in Tartu, Estonia
🇦🇹 Discover the brewing heritage of Leoben, Austria
🇫🇷 Venture to the small village of Ville-sur-Illon in the Vosges, home to a museum dedicated to the region’s brewing past

And these are just a few of the many sites to explore across Europe! Together, these places tell a much wider story. Brewing has shaped industrial buildings and local economies. Hop-growing has transformed rural landscapes. Some historic breweries are still producing beer today. Others have become museums and cultural sites, preserving the machinery and knowledge of generations of brewers.

ERIH is recognised as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. Its beer route is a good starting point for anyone looking to explore Europe differently this summer 🗺️

Because than what's in the glass. It is part of Europe’s living heritage, rooted in its regions and local traditions.

🔗 https://www.erih.net/i-want-to-go-there/themeroute/beer/