NordAN turns 25 as we meet in Riga to look honestly at policy under stress. Budgets are tight, politics shifts, industry pushes, and mental health needs grow. We will compare what holds and what fails, learn from other countries, get ideas, and find contact points. The gap between international promises and national action is real. Our task is to describe it clearly and improve interventions that protect people.

A new survey from Systembolaget shows that six in ten Swedes are unsure about the link between alcohol consumption and dementia. More than a third say they would drink less if they knew about the increased risk. The knowledge gap is most evident among men and older adults.

A new survey from the Danish Cancer Society shows that 8 out of 10 Danes do not know the official alcohol recommendations. The Danish Health Authority advises a maximum of 10 units per week and 4 at one time, but most adults cannot recall these limits. The lack of awareness raises concern about harmful alcohol use and the clear link between alcohol and cancer.

A new survey from the Cancer Society of Finland shows that while Finns want to live healthily, everyday life makes healthy choices difficult. Many expect society to create environments that support better choices, including access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, and limits on the availability of tobacco and alcohol. The growing cancer burden makes these investments increasingly important.

MHF marks Week 45, the national alcohol awareness week, with a focus on older adults and alcohol. The campaign highlights rising consumption among older people and the growing need for better conversations, support and knowledge.