In 2016, residents of the European Union spent almost 130 billion euros on alcoholic beverages, which is 0.9% of EU GDP, or more than 250 euros for each resident of the EU. It is reported by Eurostat, reports UNN.
“The annual cost of alcoholic beverages is roughly equivalent to the cost of medical goods, devices and equipment, and slightly more than the cost of social protection or education in 2016,” the statement said.
In particular, it is noted that the EU population spends an average of 1.6% of its consumer spending on alcohol.
“It should be noted that this data does not include alcoholic beverages purchased in restaurants and hotels,” the report said.
Among EU member states, the largest share of alcohol spending was recorded in three Baltic countries: Estonia (5.6%), Latvia (4.8%) and Lithuania (4.2%). They are followed by the Czech Republic and Poland (3.6%), Hungary and Finland (2.9%).
At the same time, the lowest share of expenses for alcoholic beverages in Spain (0.8%), Italy (0.9%), Austria (1.3%), Portugal (1.4%) and Germany (1.5 %).
Note that in Ukraine each person, on average, spends about 600 UAH annually on alcohol.
Tens of thousands of protesters in Berlin oppose right-wing populists
More than twenty thousand people marched on the right-wing populists in the German capital. The rally was supported by representatives of the Left Party and the Greens. In the capital of Germany on Sunday, May 27, three demonstrations of opponents of the right-wing populist party Alternative for Germany (AdG) took place. The event was organized by the Stop Hate — Stop AdG Alliance.
According to the organizers, over twenty thousand people participated in the demonstration near the Reichstag building. Earlier, representatives of trade unions, the Left Party and the Greens announced participation in the rally.
In turn, right-wing populists also staged a demonstration on Sunday. According to police, more than five thousand people took part in the rally held near the central station of Berlin. The order at the events was provided by about 2 thousand police officers.
An article by Bild am Sonntag published on the same day, Secretary-General of the Christian Democratic Union, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, contains harsh criticism of the activities of right-wing populists. AdG politicians claim that they protect Jewish life in Germany. In fact, they brought anti-Semitism to the Bundestag and the land parliaments, she said.
Head of the Federal Labor Agency — for tough migration law
The prerequisites for migration to Germany must be a high professional qualification and knowledge of the German language, according to the chief of the Federal Labor Agency. The head of the Federal Labor Agency, Detlef Scheele, requires strict rules for the new law on migration. “Politicians should pay attention to the fact that truly qualified foreign specialists come to the country, and not untrained labor force. The requirements must be appropriately stringent, ”Scheele said on Sunday, May 20, to Welt am Sonntag weekly.
Knowledge of German must be a condition of migration
One of the conditions for immigration, according to Scheele, should be knowledge of the German language, confirmed by a special exam. Before applying for a German visa, applicants must also officially confirm that their qualifications meet German standards, the chief of the labor agency said.
In addition, work permits should only be issued to migrants if they have the consent of the potential employer. Even countries such as Canada and Australia consider this fact a necessary prerequisite for issuing work permits, and Germany should follow suit, Scheele said.
Qualification comes first
In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Detlef Schele also stated the need to reform the rules for unemployment benefits, also known as Hartz IV, and make them more flexible. Until now, it was believed that the main thing was to find a new job for the unemployed, while qualifications played a secondary role.
The main task of employees of employment centers, in accordance with this, was the employment of the recipient of unemployment benefits, although in some cases it would make more sense to obtain a school certificate or vocational training. In the future, Scheele noted, employees of employment centers will approach this task more flexibly, which «will improve the long-term professional prospects of many recipients of benefits, especially those who are unskilled.»
