An analysis of how EU law can contribute to controlling the addictiogenic environment

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to provide an analysis of the contribution that the European Union (EU) could make to the prevention of addiction. The EU is empowered to support its Member States in the public health field through the adoption of legal acts, and has the power to regulate the internal market with public health goals in mind. Recent Treaty revisions has also recognised the EU’s role in the prevention of harm arising from tobacco and excess alcohol consumption.
Yet, the EU has no addiction prevention strategy of its own, and the public health and social problems caused by addiction are barely mentioned in public health policy discourse at EU level. This thesis will argue that a renewed and more intense strategic approach to addiction prevention is needed across Europe, and especially at EU level, if the currently high prevalence of addiction is to be reduced. Addiction, it will be argued, is a complex problem, but one which is ultimately caused by the influence of the social environment. The right legal intervention can reshape this environment to weaken its influence upon individuals who are vulnerable to developing addictions. The thesis will argue that the EU has both the mandate and the legal capacity to contribute to such intervention, and will offer suggestions as to how such a contribution might be designed and defended.