A new report published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe underscores the escalating threat of chronic liver disease across Europe, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal). The report, involving over 75 co-authors from 30 countries, reveals that chronic liver disease is responsible for significant premature illness and mortality, particularly among men and marginalized populations. It ranks as the second leading cause of years of working life lost, surpassed only by ischemic heart disease. Alarmingly, one in three individuals in the EU and UK is estimated to have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which is increasingly linked to liver cancer. The report attributes high rates of liver disease to Europe's excessive alcohol consumption and rising obesity rates, with alcohol-related issues causing about 40% of the 287,000 premature liver-related deaths each year. Recommendations include integrating liver health into broader public health strategies and enhancing early detection and treatment access. The authors emphasize that addressing chronic liver disease as a public health priority is crucial to prevent further deterioration of liver health across Europe.