European Parliament Beer Club – FAQ

The European Parliament Beer Club provides a forum to discuss issues affecting the Beer sector. Issues include the contribution of:

• beer to Europe’s society and economy as well as its cultural heritage;
• the thousands of breweries across the continent to crafting tens of thousands of brands in a way that meets responsible consumer demand;
• policy makers to fostering a legislative framework that supports brewers to produce, market and distribute quality products sustainably.

Whilst primarily a forum for discussion and debate, members of the EP Beer Club recognise the important and positive contribution beer and the brewing sector make to Europe’s culture and economy. Members recognise the importance of developing a policy framework that supports and nurtures the brewing sector, and to that end the EP Beer Club aims to foster a greater understanding of the brewing sector within the European Union’s institutions and in particular the European Parliament. Furthermore, members understand the positive and central role beer plays in European culture, supporting brewing traditions in all EU member states. Members encourage European brewers to pursue their work as responsible stakeholders.

The European Parliament Beer Club is open to Members of the European Parliament.

MEPs are welcome to join the European Parliament Beer Club by filling in a short sign-up form on the EP Beer Club website. Members may also join or leave the EP Beer Club by informing the President of the EP Beer Club.

A number of activities are arranged throughout the year, including policy debates, briefings, newsletters, report launches, study visits and receptions. Some of these activities are also open to guests beyond the membership of the EP Beer Club. In 2022, these activities included:

• The 10-year anniversary of the European Beer Pledge, showcasing at an event the work of brewers across Europe to voluntarily label ingredients and calorie values as part of the #proudtobeclear campaign; and a decade of progress on reducing drink driving in the EU.
• A webinar bringing together experts to look at the role of beer sponsorships in sports and the impact on sporting clubs, associations and events.
• A reception at which guests could learn about the upcoming issues of interest for the brewing sector that would be impacted by draft legislation expected to pass through the European Parliament.

The Brewers of Europe is an international not-for-profit association under Belgian law (Transparency Register: Nr 81610896372-23) currently representing 29 national brewers’ associations and the interests of over 10,000 breweries within the EU and beyond.

The Brewers of Europe supports the EP Beer Club, for example in the following ways:

• a logistical secretariat for EP Beer Club events;
• responding to queries from EP Beer Club members about Europe’s brewing sector;
• providing thematic briefings on issues of interest to EP Beer Club members;
• facilitating any contacts between EP Beer Club members and their local brewers.

The Brewers of Europe and its National Association members encourage all Members of the European Parliament with an interest in beer and the brewing sector to become Members of the EP Beer Club, but The Brewers of Europe and its National Associations do not decide who is a member.

Furthermore, the views expressed by the EP Beer Club or its members do not necessarily represent the views of The Brewers of Europe, and vice versa.

When legislation is considered that affects the brewing sector, members of the EP Beer Club welcome information shared by The Brewers of Europe that explains the impact on beermaking and the wider beer hospitality sector.

Members of the EP Beer Club (who receive no remuneration as part of their membership), as well as all members of the European Parliament, are free to consider information provided by The Brewers of Europe, but are not beholden to take it into account when voting on legislation.