Frequent binge drinking is widespread across the European Union, with young people aged 15 to 24 most likely to binge-drink - and most people in the EU strongly support public policies to prevent alcohol-related harm.

This is according to a Eurobarometer survey, the results of which were released on April 21 2010.

Alcohol consumption in the EU is at a similar level to four years ago, the survey found.

Three out of four respondents said that they consumed alcoholic drinks up to three times a week.

"Young people aged 15 to 24 years are more likely than older age groups to have five or more drinks at a time, and frequent binge drinking is widespread across the EU," a European Commission (EC) media statement said.

Awareness of specific health risks varied.

"There is high awareness that harmful consumption is linked to liver diseases but low awareness that it also causes cancer."

Since 2006, the EC has worked with national authorities, NGOs and industry to reduce alcohol related harm, the Commission said. The Special Eurobarometer survey on alcohol was carried out in October 2009 with 27 000 respondents.

Questions on drinking patterns and attitudes towards alcohol policies monitored trends from a similar survey in 2006. Awareness of alcohol-related risks was measured for the first time in this type of survey across the EU.

According to the survey, Europeans widely support public policies aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.

A clear majority (89 per cent in favour) supports an 18-year age limit for selling and serving alcoholic beverages across the EU. There is also strong endorsement for action against drink-driving, such as random checks by the police (83 per cent in favour) and a lowered blood alcohol limit for young drivers (73 per cent in favour).

The prevalence of binge drinking among young people (where "binge drinking" is defined as five drinks or more on any one occasion),  puts younger people at a greater risk of adverse effects related to intoxication, such as accidental injuries, fights and violence. Binge drinking is not confined to any particular region.

Percentages above the EU average (29 per cent) were found in Ireland, Romania, Germany and Austria, followed by the UK, Spain, Greece and Italy.

Daily drinking among the 55+ suggests chronic disease risk in an ageing population. Those aged 55 years or more are far more likely than young people to drink daily. Regular drinking among older age groups could lead to an increased risk of chronic diseases in an ageing population, the media statement said.

The survey found that most Europeans consider driving under the influence of alcohol to be risky, but 14 per cent would drive after more than two drinks in two hours. Such an amount would result in a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit in most EU countries.

More than half (62 per cent) consider that one should not drive after two drinks in two hours. A considerable proportion (15 per cent) thinks that not drinking at all if you intend to drive is the safest option.