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.

Greenland’s parliament has debated whether the country should develop a national alcohol policy guided by children’s rights, with the government now signalling support for a broad political alcohol agreement.

NordAN’s Open Day in Copenhagen brought together Nordic and Baltic partners to discuss alcohol age limits, youth drinking and local policy action. Presentations from NordAN, WHO Europe, Blue Cross Denmark, Alkohol & Samfund, the Danish Cancer Society, NTAKK and WHO highlighted both the political contest around age limits and the evidence supporting stronger alcohol policy.

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.

The Nordic alcohol monopolies have reduced alcohol consumption and harm in Nordic countries, serving as a model for other EU countries.

Alko and WHO collaborate to raise awareness about the link between alcohol and cancer, aiming to reduce alcohol-related health risks.