21.11.2024 - At the 2024 NordAN General Assembly in Oslo on November 7, a second resolution was adopted, building on a prior call for transparency and accountability in global alcohol policy. The first resolution urged Nordic and Baltic member states to lead efforts in securing clearer boundaries in the World Health Organization's (WHO) interactions with the alcohol industry. This earlier resolution called for further transparency in industry interactions, referencing principles from the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to advocate for similar protections in alcohol policy.
A cornerstone of public health policy under threat
For decades, Nordic countries have been global leaders in alcohol control policies designed to promote public health, safety, and societal well-being. Measures such as high alcohol taxes, strict advertising bans, and state-controlled retail monopolies have significantly reduced alcohol consumption and its associated harms. These policies are based on the recognition that alcohol is not an ordinary commodity, and its availability and promotion must be carefully regulated to minimize harm.
However, recent policy shifts in the Nordic region are threatening to dismantle these achievements. Challenges to retail monopolies, stagnant alcohol taxes, and the relaxation of advertising restrictions have emerged, often without meaningful consultation with civil society or consideration of public health consequences. These changes are frequently justified by political claims of economic and commercial benefits, undermining the longstanding public health goals that have defined the Nordic approach.
Reaffirming the urgency of action
The resolution adopted by NordAN emphasizes the need to uphold and strengthen the foundation of the Nordic alcohol policy. It demands action on three fronts:
Defending effective measures: Uphold high taxes, advertising bans, and retail monopolies as indispensable tools for reducing alcohol-related harm.
Rejecting liberalization pressures: Resist efforts to liberalize alcohol markets or prioritize commercial interests over public health.
Educating future generations: Engage the public on the benefits of Nordic alcohol policy to ensure enduring support for these measures.
The resolution also highlights the importance of evidence-based policymaking, which has not only reduced alcohol harm in Nordic countries but also inspired similar progress in the Baltic region.
A call to protect future generations
As the resolution underscores, the rationale for Nordic alcohol policy remains as relevant today as it was decades ago. The NordAN General Assembly calls on Nordic governments and societies to reaffirm their commitment to these measures and prevent significant harm caused by alcohol. Strengthening these policies is essential to shield future generations from alcohol’s societal and individual impacts.
The message from NordAN is clear: the core values of Nordic alcohol policy—public health and social responsibility—must take precedence over commercial interests.
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