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.

A new survey by Ipsos for Av-og-til shows that 4 in 10 Norwegians have seen intoxicated adults with children on May 17 in the past two years. The findings vary across counties, with Oslo at 50%. Av-og-til urges adults to be mindful of their alcohol use on Norway’s national day, which should remain a joyful celebration for children.

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.

The Finnish government’s mid-term budget increases alcohol and nicotine taxes but imposes severe funding cuts to health organizations. EHYT warns this jeopardizes critical public health and substance abuse prevention, urging targeted investment from tax revenues to protect vulnerable communities.

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.

A Finnish government report evaluates expanding wine sales beyond Alko’s monopoly, outlining benefits such as consumer choice and risks including increased alcohol harms. Alko emphasizes maintaining the Nordic retail model, citing significant public health impacts and broad public support for its current system.

On April 10, the Norwegian government presented Part II of its prevention and treatment reform in the field of drug policy. The proposed legislation addresses the criminal and procedural aspects of the reform, aiming to ensure that individuals with serious and long-term drug problems are not punished for their illness. At the same time, the government maintains that drug use should remain illegal to prevent initiation, particularly among youth.

Risky drinking among young men in Sweden has halved in 20 years, while it’s rising among those over 45—especially older women.

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

EHYT urges the Finnish government to rethink substance and gambling policy: more prevention, less availability, and fairer taxation.

63% of Finns say alcohol home delivery harms children and families—most oppose plans to increase alcohol availability.

Alcohol consumption in Sweden fell by 2.3% in 2024, driven by reduced online and smuggled alcohol purchases, according to CAN.

Nordic experts stress the need for evidence-based, public health-focused drug policies to counter rising global legalization trends.