Icelandic prevention organisations say the current debate on alcohol policy should be grounded in facts, including a long-running police case on online alcohol sales that is now before the courts.

IOGT Norge says the football World Cup should not be used as a political tool to push for more liberal alcohol rules. The organisation argues that municipalities can already grant time limited exemptions, without weakening the alcohol law.

At its General Assembly in Riga, Latvia, on 13 November 2025, NordAN adopted two resolutions on drug policy and alcohol-related health taxes. They call for a prevention-first EU drug strategy and for using alcohol tax revenues to protect prevention and civil society.

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 pilot project in Finland aims to support the well-being of pregnant women and ensure a safe, substance-free environment for fetal development. The project evaluates the use of a new, highly sensitive PEth blood test as a potential routine screening method for alcohol use in early pregnancy.

The Christian Democrats in Denmark have proposed a new pilot program offering free residential treatment for 400 people struggling with alcohol addiction. The initiative, “Glæd dig til at være ædru” (“Look forward to being sober”), aims to help affected families and reduce the social and economic costs linked to alcohol dependence.

A new CAN report shows that Swedes are bringing home far less alcohol from abroad than before. Between 2019 and 2024, traveler imports dropped by more than 40 percent, with spirits showing the largest decline.

The Finnish government’s proposal to expand alcohol home delivery and distance selling threatens to increase alcohol consumption and harms while directing profits abroad. EHYT warns that the move undermines proven public health policies and places children and youth at greater risk.

The Government of Greenland has just submitted expert recommendations for a multi-year, evidence-based alcohol policy to the Parliament of Greenland. The recommendations are intended to form the basis for a broad political agreement on alcohol policy, which can set the framework for continued work on a long-term and sustainable alcohol policy.

A University of Helsinki doctoral study shows that Finns exposed to more liberal alcohol policies in their youth have higher rates of alcohol-related illness and mortality later in life. The findings underline how policy decisions can shape public health outcomes decades into the future.

A new agreement in Denmark will make alcohol less visible in supermarkets and grocery stores. From October 2025, alcoholic drinks may not be placed near candy, chips, toys, fruit and vegetables, or checkout areas. The aim is to reduce young people’s exposure and temptation to buy alcohol, as part of the government’s prevention plan.

World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) focuses on Changing the Narrative on Suicide. NordAN highlights a neglected part of that story: alcohol. Acute intoxication impairs judgment and raises the risk of suicidal behaviour, and alcohol use disorder is linked to higher rates of attempts and deaths. Changing the narrative means replacing “drink to cope” with real support, integrating alcohol screening into care, and advancing population policies that reduce harm.

Homelessness, substance use, and gambling problems among young Finns are increasing. The Blue Ribbon Association and Foundation appealed to Minister Mika Poutala, stressing that state budget decisions and policies on alcohol, gambling, and housing must better safeguard youth wellbeing. They warn that no welfare state should attempt to balance its finances by worsening young people’s struggles with addiction and homelessness.

IOGT Norway criticizes the Labour Party for political horse-trading that could weaken Norway’s internationally recognized alcohol policy. The organization is disappointed by the party’s openness to loosening restrictions, such as allowing alcohol in parks and possibly weakening the alcohol advertising ban. IOGT urges the party to maintain a restrictive, effective policy that prioritizes public health and safety over market interests.

From 1 August 2025, Latvia will enforce new restrictions on alcohol sales and marketing, limiting retail hours, banning price promotions, and requiring health warnings on packaging. The move comes in response to the country’s high alcohol consumption, among the highest in the EU and OECD, and aims to reduce alcohol-related harm. The law was passed after two years of debate and will be reviewed in October based on early health and retail impact data.

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.

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 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.

The Finnish Mental Health Policy Advisory Board urges the government to assess the mental health impacts of proposed changes to alcohol and gambling laws. With regulation being eased and harm risks increasing, the board stresses the need for prevention, support services, and earmarked funding to address rising challenges, especially among youth.

IOGT-NTO urges a no-vote on farm sales of alcohol to protect public health. Introducing farm sales would gamble with people's lives and health, undermining Sweden's strongest protection against alcohol's harmful effects. Systembolaget saves 1,500 lives annually by limiting availability and profit interests.