More than half of young Danes are taking breaks from alcohol. A new survey shows that 51% of 17–34-year-olds, and 54.5% of students, chose to go alcohol-free for a period in the past year. Health and wellbeing are the main reasons, reflecting a shift toward more conscious choices. Experts see this as the beginning of a cultural change in Denmark’s drinking habits.

A new analysis from the Danish Cancer Society shows that nearly half of all supermarket flyer offers are for unhealthy products such as sweets, snacks, alcohol, and ready meals. On average, 46 percent of promotions fall into this category, making it harder for consumers to choose healthy foods. The organisation warns this contributes to poor diets and rising overweight rates, and points to England’s new restrictions on multi-buy offers as possible inspiration.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Signs of alcohol harm found in 1 in 20 children in Swedish pilot study—suggesting fetal exposure may be more common than assumed.

Intoxicated drivers caused 37% of fatal crashes in Finland (2014–2023), with two-thirds showing signs of substance dependence.

3 out of 4 Danes believe alcohol consumption is too high, with strong support for banning alcohol marketing on social media and in sports.

Substance abuse poses major costs to Finnish municipalities; alcohol alone burdens healthcare. Prevention is key, say organizations.

Ballinciaga faces a 2.4M NOK fine for illegal alcohol ads targeting youth, violating Norway’s strict Alcohol Act.

NordAN Open Day explored alcohol policy challenges in the Nordics, highlighting risks to monopolies and the need for stronger cooperation.

Alcohol is a major cancer risk in the EU; reducing consumption could prevent 1M cases by 2050, according to the 2025 cancer report.

1 in 5 men in Norway admit to driving under the influence. Every day, 30 are caught—but many more go undetected. #RoadSafety

More young adults seek help from EHYT's substance abuse helpline, but funding cuts threaten its 24/7 availability.

Health orgs in Iceland urge state to prevent private alcohol sales, citing billions in savings and public health benefits.