Anders Hammarberg receives CAN’s 2026 Drug Research Award for research on psychological treatments for alcohol problems, particularly treatment with controlled drinking as its goal.

Denmark’s Parliament is considering electronic age checks for alcohol sales in physical shops, alongside stronger supervision of unattended shops.

New figures from CAN show that alcohol consumption in Sweden fell by 2.7% in 2025 and by 8% over three years, continuing a long-term downward trend.

NordAN's General Assembly in the Faroe Islands adopted two resolutions calling for better alcohol data across the Nordic and Baltic countries and stronger safeguards for young people.

Reflections from NordAN’s gathering in the Faroe Islands on prevention, public health protections and the everyday work supporting people and families. What do we take home, and how do we turn it into action?

Ahead of the NordAN 2026 conference in Tórshavn, we reflect on some of the wider questions behind this year’s discussions: how to protect effective policies, respond to changing political and commercial pressures, support young people, and remain open to learning from each other.

A new Helsinki study finds that risky alcohol use is now most common among older employees. More than one in three working residents aged 50–64 drink at risky levels, while alcohol problems have declined much more sharply among younger age groups.

NordAN has submitted a contribution to the European Commission’s TRIS procedure supporting Lithuania’s proposal to restrict the sale of certain alcohol-branded non-alcoholic drinks to people under 18.

A new Danish survey finds that concerns about other people’s drinking are common, but many still hesitate to speak up despite most saying they would welcome such concern themselves.

New Finnish research involving more than 82,000 men found an association between alcohol consumption and increased prostate cancer risk, including at relatively low consumption levels.

An initial WHO assessment suggests that alcohol availability restrictions introduced in Latvia in August 2025 were followed by a 27% reduction in deaths wholly attributable to alcohol, corresponding to more than 60 deaths prevented by the end of the year.

A new EHYT report based on responses from 1,890 young people in Finland shows a complex picture of youth culture in 2026. Substance-free lifestyles are widely seen as attractive, while alcohol remains socially normalised and flavoured nicotine pouches have become increasingly prominent.

A Norwegian workplace prevention expert warns that employers may be focusing too heavily on young employees’ illegal drug use while overlooking drinking pressure and inappropriate behaviour in their own workplaces. A survey of apprentices reveals the extent of alcohol-related pressure and unwanted experiences at work-related social events.

The Faroe Islands are considering two bills that would give Faroese authorities responsibility for regulating controlled drugs. The government says the transfer would allow faster responses to emerging substances.

Drink‑driving checks of 63,000 drivers in Finland show a continued decline in motorists with alcohol in their system, though offence numbers remain stable. 0.17% exceeded the legal limit, and 17 drug‑driving cases were found, with police stressing that any alcohol impairs driving ability.

Lithuania is moving towards restricting the sale of alcohol-free beer, wine and other non-alcoholic drinks associated with alcoholic beverage categories to people under 18, as part of its wider policy to prevent the normalisation of alcohol use among minors.

Lithuania is strengthening its response to FASD through the international FASD-Bridge project, while the Lithuanian organisation FASD platforma has joined the European FASD Alliance, expanding both clinical and civil-society cooperation.

Greenland’s Health Minister Anna Wangenheim visited Icelandic prevention organisation FRÆ to learn from Iceland’s experience in alcohol and drug prevention. The visit comes as Greenland works to develop a long-term, evidence-based alcohol policy adapted to its own social and geographical realities.

Norway is considering expanding direct alcohol sales from producers. Actis warns that the move could weaken Vinmonopolet, trigger further liberalisation and raise questions under EEA law.

EHYT Finnish Association for Substance Abuse Prevention has launched restructuring negotiations covering its entire staff. The organisation warns that anticipated cuts to government grants could bring major prevention and support services to an end from 2027.