Cheering ways of dispelling EU gloom

Grexit risk is rising. Brexit risk is rising. These are not great times for Europe’s ever-closer union. But it’s not all gloom. European brewers are on the up.

An invite arrives for a Milan conference next month to mark – wait for it – European Beer Day. This seems like Arthur’s Day writ large. Remember that?

The sponsor of the affair is the Brewers of Europe, a body established in 1958 to unite national brewers’ associations in 29 countries. Its aim: to promote the industry’s “unique contribution” to culture, the economy and society.

Sounds like hard work. A discussion on “Brewers and the EU Growth Agenda” will be preceded by debate on “Beer and a Balanced Lifestyle”, to be addressed by Heineken chief executive Jean-François van Boxmeer and other notables.

Don’t worry if it all sounds like too much. The Milan gig is scheduled to conclude at 1.15pm on the day in question, followed shortly thereafter by a reception. In theory at least, you could be home in time for dinner.

In Killarney, meanwhile, the annual conference of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland passed a motion this week calling for Government action to tackle the broadband deficit outside urban areas. As one headline memorably put it, “Broadband is ‘essential for survival of the rural pub’.”

Now, some people might say the pub is the very best place to escape the tyranny of broadband.

But that’s another matter.