Alcohol and the EU - the Finnish presidency

EU alcohol controls are under review, and there have been concerns that the Finnish presidency could prompt a more draconian approach. Ismo Tuominen, head of alcohol policy at Finland’s ministry of social affairs and health, discussed Finland’s view on EU alcohol policy and its priorities in this area with Alan Osborn.

Alcohol policy a priority under Finnish EU presidency

21 August 2006

EU: Finland to push for EU-wide alcohol tax rise

16 June 2006

Finland will use its six-month tenure as EU president to push for an increase in alcohol taxes, the country’s teetotal president Matti Vanhanen said this week.

FINLAND: Government to press for EU tax hike on spirits, beer

8 May 2006

Finland plans to press for a hike in the minimum level of duty on spirits and beer during its presidency of the EU later on this year, according to local reports.