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.

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.

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.

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.

NordAN has submitted a response to Denmark’s proposed guidance on opioid substitution treatment, calling for safe, individual care that supports recovery, reduced drug use and social reintegration.

A new Swedish survey shows how strongly alcohol can become linked with summer, relaxation and social situations. Frequent drinkers were particularly likely to say that summer occasions feel emptier without alcohol, while many also saw the return to everyday routines as an opportunity for a reset.

Icelandic prevention organisations have criticised the police response to online alcohol sales after a district court ruled that one retailer’s activities violated ÁTVR’s exclusive right to sell alcohol. Around twenty companies now reportedly offer alcohol for collection or home delivery in Iceland.

New CAN analysis shows that young people exposed to crime are also more likely to report substance use and gambling.

The Finnish Parliament has approved a law allowing home delivery of alcohol and foreign distance sales. EHYT warns that the decision will increase alcohol availability and marketing, weaken prevention, create major tax losses, and especially affect children, people with substance use problems, and their loved ones.

A new Systembolaget survey shows that only 12 percent of Swedes see alcohol as important for Midsummer, while seven in ten still feel there is an expectation to drink.

Finland’s Alcohol Act reform has moved forward in Parliament in a form that would expand alcohol availability through distance sales, home delivery and longer Alko opening hours. EHYT and Juha Mikkonen warn that the key public health and tax control questions remain unresolved.

EHYT welcomes the Finnish Parliament committee’s amendments to the Alcohol Act proposal, but stresses that the changes must be notified to the EU before the bill is brought to the plenary session.