An introduction to the European Parliament Beer Club

What is the European Parliament Beer Club?

Established in 1995, the European Parliament (EP) Beer Club is a forum for discussion and information exchange about issues that affect the brewing sector within the European Union. The EP Beer Club believes that Beer is part of Europe’s heritage and tradition, and aims to support the future growth and stability of the brewing sector in the European Union. 

EP Beer Club Objectives Beer Club Members believe that Europe should have and retain a strong brewing sector. Beer Club Members support the positive role of Beer in Europe’s culture – reflected in the brewing traditions in all Member States. The Beer Club seeks to foster a greater understanding of the brewing sector within the European Institutions, and particularly the European Parliament. The Beer Club encourages the brewing sector to pursue its work as a responsible stakeholder.

Who are Members of the EP Beer Club?

The EP Beer Club has been one of the biggest groupings of its kind in the European Parliament, bringing together over 200 MEPs. It is not an official Intergroup of the Parliament, but a more informal grouping of Members who support a healthy brewing sector and recognise the contribution of Beer and brewing to European culture, tradition and economy.

The current president of the Beer Club is Marianne Thyssen (EPP, Belgium), who will be supported by Vice Presidents representing other Member states.

When does the Club meet?

The EP Beer Club offers a unique opportunity to stay informed about Beer-related issues such as the contribution made by Beer to Europe’s socio-economic landscape and cultural patrimony, Brewers’ work towards ensuring the wide variety of European Beers be crafted as quality and enjoyable products to the satisfaction of Europe’s responsible consumers, and how this contribution and this work can be affected (or enhanced) by policy developments across the EU.

To this end, there will also be the traditional twice-yearly receptions, held in conjunction with The Brewers of Europe, at which Beer Club Members can sample Beers from the country hosting the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Join your EP Beer Club today: the inauguration party of the new EP Beer Club will be held in Brussels on 23 March 2010 at The Brewers of Europe House.