The publication dealing with alcohol issues in Finland after accession to the EU examines the present situation in a more extensive context than the national level. The publication discusses how alcohol consumption in Finland has developed compared to other European countries. Alcohol use in Europe has changed considerably in all countries, but in different ways and even in opposite directions. Also Finland’s place on the European ‘alcohol map’ has changed thoroughly.

When examining Finns’ alcohol consumption and its adverse effects it can be noted that consumption is further increasing among women, as well as to some extent among men and people of retirement age. Alcohol use among young people is increasing in some groups but, on the other hand, in recent years also the proportion of young people who refrain from alcohol use has increased. For the major part, alcohol-related harms have increased, and the adverse effects are associated with variations in total alcohol consumption.

The alcohol policy environment is changing continuously: the EU legislation and the expanded markets have undermined the traditional Finnish alcohol policy and reduced the effectiveness of price policy. In the situation generated by Finland’s EU membership we have begun to seek new ways of influencing alcohol consumption and its adverse effects. On the other hand, discussion about alcohol problems from a public health perspective has also been raised at the EU level.

It is also assessed in the publication how the main objectives defined in the Government Resolution on Strategies in Alcohol Policy of autumn 2003 have been reached. At the moment the objectives are far from being realised.

The present review of alcohol issues in Finland, based on information compiled by the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES), the National Public Health Institute, the National Product Control Agency for Welfare and Health and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, is a part of the interim evaluation of the National Alcohol Programme in spring 2006.