The Clínic-IDIBAPS has played a significant role in this report through two of the three Spanish commissioners: Pere Ginès, Senior Consultant at the Hepatology Service of the Hospital Clínic, Professor of Medicine at the University of Barcelona, Head of the IDIBAPS Chronic liver diseases: molecular mechanisms and clinical consequences Group and CIBEREHD researcher, and Núria Fabrellas, Professor of Public and Community Health Nursing at the Faculty of Nursing of the University of Barcelona and researcher in the same group.
A crisis with a high economic impact and avoidable causes
The report shows that liver diseases represent a very significant health and economic burden. In fact, it estimates that, in the absence of these diseases, the economy of European countries would be approximately 55 billion euros bigger per year, mainly due to the loss of productivity and premature deaths they cause.
Alcohol consumption and obesity, along with viral hepatitis, continue to be the leading causes of liver-related mortality in Europe. These are largely avoidable factors, strongly influenced by the so-called commercial determinants of health, such as marketing, price, and availability of alcohol and unhealthy foods. The report underlines the need to apply stricter regulations and public policies that favour healthier environments.
In addition, many people continue to reach the healthcare system too late. Delayed diagnosis of liver disease limits the therapeutic options available and worsens prognosis, while early detection could prevent progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer and save many lives.
"The reality of patients shows us that we are still arriving too late; identifying liver risk earlier is key to changing the course of the disease," points out Núria Fabrellas.
Key recommendations for public policies
The Commission calls for coordinated policy action at European and national level. Prominent among the main recommendations are the introduction of health warnings on alcoholic beverages and the restriction of digital advertising, especially aimed at young people; stronger regulation of the marketing and taxation of alcohol and ultra-processed foods; the expansion of screening and access to treatment for viral hepatitis, especially among vulnerable populations; and the reinforcement of integrated care models between primary, specialised and community care.
“We have the scientific evidence and the necessary clinical tools; the challenge now is to implement them in a homogeneous and effective way throughout Europe", highlights Pere Ginès, report commissioner.
Three priorities for changing course
Finally, the report identifies three clear priorities for making decisive progress: treating liver diseases as a public health priority; improving early diagnosis and treatment with coordinated care for patients, who often present with multiple pathologies; and addressing the structural causes of liver disease, such as alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets. According to the Commission, this is a key moment for Europe to transform scientific evidence into action and reverse a trend that there is still time to change.
Study of reference
Karlsen T, Hutchinson S, Zelber-Sagi S et al.
Implementing sustainable liver health in Europe: a second EASL–Lancet Commission
The Lancet, 2026; 407, 1825-1890
