The Brewers of Europe

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 .

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

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

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/

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/

Happy ! Arguably the best day of the year 🍻

Today, we’re celebrating the people behind every pint.

Across Europe, thousands of breweries keep local traditions alive while sharing them far beyond their own borders. While the latest Eurostat figures show beer exports declined in 2025, they also highlight the enduring global appeal of European brewing, with Belgium becoming the EU’s leading beer exporter.

That’s what is all about. Behind every beer are people, places, traditions and craftsmanship that continue to connect communities across Europe and beyond.

Tell us: which beer are you raising a glass to today? 🍺

In 2025, the EU exported 3.2 bn litres of beer containing alcohol to countries outside the EU, while importing 0.5 bn litres. 🍺 ↔️

Top exporters (intra and extra-EU):
🇧🇪 Belgium (1.5 bn litres)
🇳🇱 Netherlands (1.4 bn litres)
🇩🇪 Germany (1.3 bn litres)

Top importers:
🇫🇷 France (0.9 bn litres)
🇮🇹 Italy (0.7 bn litres)
🇩🇪 Germany, 🇪🇸 Spain (both 0.6 bn litres)

More data 👉 https://link.europa.eu/HjpbMT