Finland’s draft reform to the Alcohol Act would allow home delivery, cross-border distance sales, and digital advertising of spirits. In its submission, NordAN warns the changes risk dismantling the public health-focused Nordic model. Alongside the submission, NordAN also sent the “Elders’ Letter” to Finnish ministers and party leaders, urging transparency and a clear commitment to evidence-based alcohol policy.

Four out of ten Norwegians have seen intoxicated adults together with children during the summer holidays, according to a new Ipsos survey for Av-og-til. Secretary General Ragnhild Kaski urges adults to notice children who may be struggling and to step in or contact someone responsible if needed. She emphasizes that adults have a shared responsibility to help ensure children have a safe and positive holiday experience.

Three out of ten serious drink driving accidents in Denmark happen during the summer months. From 2020 to 2024, nearly a third of all people killed or seriously injured in such crashes were hurt in June, July, or August. The Danish Road Safety Council urges everyone to leave the car at home if drinking, especially new drivers, and to help prevent others from driving under the influence.

Over half of the breathalyzers tested by MHF Test Lab gave dangerously inaccurate readings, with some showing 0.0‰ even when the driver was over the legal limit. The test, done with Testfakta, highlights serious safety risks. Only fuel cell-based models like Dräger 4000 and Dignita AM-7000 showed reliable results, while cheaper semiconductor devices failed.

A new Voxmeter survey shows that one in four Danes believe people should wait until 18 to start drinking alcohol. Blue Cross Denmark sees this as a sign that more Danes want to change the country’s drinking culture. The Danish Health Authority recommends avoiding alcohol before 18 due to health risks, and research links early drinking to later misuse. Blue Cross Denmark supports an 18-year age limit for all alcohol sales.

A new survey by Av-og-til and Ipsos shows that 32 percent of Norwegian parents have been tipsy or under the influence of alcohol in situations where their own children were present. The figure is highest among fathers (36 percent), compared to 27 percent among mothers. Experts warn that even small amounts of alcohol can make children feel uneasy, especially during holidays when routines are different.

A new report from the Swedish Drug Policy Center argues that drug prevention is not only a public health issue but a human right - especially for children. Released alongside an op-ed in Göteborgs-Posten, the report highlights rising cannabis use among parents in Canada and criticises the global drug policy debate for sidelining prevention in favor of legalization narratives.

Alcohol exposure in the first weeks of embryonic development disrupts gene regulation and metabolism. University of Helsinki researchers show the earliest nerve forming ectodermal cells are most sensitive, with changes in DNA methylation and the methionine cycle. Findings strengthen advice to cease drinking when planning pregnancy, as even low doses can affect crucial early processes and raise the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Helsinki Administrative Court ruled that a German company selling alcohol via a Finnish-language web shop must pay Finnish excise duty. By recommending specific carriers, the seller indirectly arranged the shipment, so the sales counted as distance selling under EU law, in line with the CJEU judgment of 19 December 2024.

More than two out of three young people are exposed to alcohol in pop culture every week, often portrayed as something positive. A new IQ survey shows that half believe artists should take more responsibility. To challenge alcohol norms, IQ released the EP Skickat with songs based on young people’s regretted drunk texts, aiming to spark reflection on how alcohol affects relationships.

A new report from Aarhus University reveals Danes’ use of drugs and alcohol based on wastewater analysis in six cities. The study found significant differences in opioid consumption between cities and showed that cocaine, MDMA, and alcohol use spike on weekends. Most other substances are used steadily throughout the week. The findings provide a unique insight into actual drug habits and may help guide future public health efforts.

Nearly 4 out of 10 Danish parents find it harder to talk to their teenager about alcohol once they start upper secondary school, a new study from the Danish Cancer Society and TrygFonden shows. While many parents believe that introducing alcohol at home teaches responsible drinking, research indicates it can actually lead to higher alcohol consumption among young people. Making clear agreements with teenagers remains the most effective approach.

Norway’s government has reached a cross-party agreement on the second part of its prevention and treatment reform, keeping drug use illegal while introducing simplified fines for minor offences. Youth under 18 will be referred to advisory units instead. Actis welcomes the move, calling it a step toward more effective and predictable drug policy.

A new Voxmeter survey shows that 58.3% of Danes support raising the minimum age for buying all types of alcohol to 18. The results come as Danish youth are again ranked as Europe's heaviest drinkers. Blue Cross Denmark welcomes the strong public backing, seeing it as a sign that Danes are ready for change and increased responsibility to protect young people from alcohol harm.

Hundreds of thousands of children in Sweden grow up in families affected by addiction or harmful substance use, but only a fraction receive help from municipalities. According to Junis’s new report, over 260,000 children may need support, yet just one percent received any assistance in 2024. The organization urges stronger collaboration and political responsibility to ensure vulnerable children get timely help.

Norwegians' greatest fear in traffic is encountering intoxicated drivers, with 10,848 drivers reported for impaired driving in 2024—an average of 30 per day. Intoxication is the cause of one in five fatal accidents on Norwegian roads, and experts warn that the actual numbers are likely much higher due to significant underreporting. Surveys show that 76% of Norwegians rank drunk drivers as their top concern in traffic.

Four in ten Swedes would drink less alcohol if they knew that even small amounts increase the risk of cancer, according to a new survey by Verian. However, only one in ten are aware of this link, and nearly 90% do not know that alcohol raises the risk of breast cancer. Research shows there is no safe threshold—any amount of alcohol can increase cancer risk, and the more you drink, the higher the risk.

Alcohol, drugs, and suicides are the leading causes of premature years of life lost in Finland, resulting in an annual financial loss of €8.35 billion. Alcohol alone is the top cause nationwide and in many regions, while other regions see suicide, drugs, or ischemic heart diseases as the main causes. The latest data highlight significant regional disparities and stress the importance of targeted preventive efforts.

A new European study shows that Danish ninth-grade students continue to lead in alcohol consumption, drinking more and starting earlier than their peers in other countries. Nearly 70 percent have consumed alcohol in the past month, and over half have engaged in binge drinking. While there is a slight decline in youth alcohol use, Denmark’s levels remain the highest in Europe, according to the ESPAD survey.

In many European countries, alcohol has become increasingly affordable, contributing to high consumption and significant health harms. WHO/Europe has released a report and toolkit to help governments use taxation and pricing policies to reduce alcohol-related harm. With clear evidence showing that even small tax increases can save lives and raise revenues, the tools offer practical guidance for action.