This 1 October marks the start of the European Beer Month.
Across the continent, from Dublin to Dubrovnik, from Copenhagen to the Costa del Sol, breweries, farmers, pubs and beer lovers should celebrate a beverage that is more than a refreshment – it is a cultural touchstone, an economic driver and a symbol of shared heritage.
This initiative, instigated by the European Beer Group (EBG), a cross-party network of MEPs within the European Parliament, aims to showcase the drink that truly brings people together. I welcome this action from the EBG, which is playing a crucial role when it comes to promoting beer’s cultural heritage across the EU. #BeerMonth was launched this week during a special reception at The Brewers of Europe House in Brussels, where we toasted the Danish Presidency of the EU with H.E. Susanne Shine, Ambassador of Denmark to Belgium, MEP Niels Fuglsang, and Nick Haekkerup, Director of the Danish Brewers.
Beer has always been woven into Europe’s story. Our brewing traditions stretch back thousands of years, rooted in the fields of barley and hops that continue to define our farming landscapes today. Every glass poured is the result of a value chain that sustains millions of jobs – from farmers and maltsters to brewers, truck drivers, pub owners and servers. When we talk about beer, we are also talking about livelihoods, rural development and the vibrancy of Europe’s small businesses.
Economically, beer matters. The brewing sector contributes billions in tax revenues each year, while creating growth opportunities for Europe’s wider agrifood system. This European Beer Month is an opportunity to highlight the resilience and innovation of a sector that has invested heavily in sustainability: improving resource efficiency, re-using brewing by-products and working closely with farmers to support biodiversity.
Beer is also about people and places. Think of the small village brewery preserving centuries-old recipes; the lively city beer festivals that draw tourists from around the world; or the local pub that anchors a neighbourhood. Beer brings people together across generations and cultures. It is a universal language of conviviality, and in today’s fast-paced world, that sense of shared enjoyment matters more than ever.
Brewers also recognise their responsibility. Celebration must go hand in hand with moderation. Promoting responsible enjoyment of beer is central to our sector’s commitment to policymakers and consumers, and to ensuring that Europe’s beer cultures remain sustainable for the long term. The European Beer Month is a chance not only to showcase the diversity of Europe’s beer styles – from crisp pilsners and rich stouts to sour lambics and innovative alcohol-free varieties – but also to encourage awareness and moderation in how we drink.
This European Beer Month is an annual fixture that inspires pride in Europe’s brewing heritage, sparks conversations about its economic and social value, and reminds us all of the deep connection between our continent’s fields, breweries, pubs and communities.
So, whether you raise a glass in a bustling beer hall, a quiet café or your local bar, take a moment this October to toast the people and communities behind it – from the farmer to the maltster, the brewer to the driver, the server to the neighbour across the table. Europe’s beer deserves celebrating.
Cheers!