Impact of Europeanization on Nordic alcohol control policies: a discussion of processes and national differences

Abstract

The impact of Europeanization on Nordic alcohol control policies can occur through three main processes: 'positive activist reform', 'negative reform', and 'reform by indirect (de facto) pressure'. In this article the significance of each of these processes has been considered, and based on this discussion, it emerges that the effects have mainly occurred through negative reforms or indirect pressure. Through these processes, the state alcohol monopoly systems have been deregulated and liberalized, and the price levels of alcoholic beverages have been lowered and are currently under pressure to be further reduced. The impact of Europeanization on Nordic alcohol control policies have to a large degree been the same for the EU members Finland and Sweden, as for Iceland and Norway, due to their participation in the EEA Agreement. The activist role of the courts and the dominance of negative reforms within the single market are crucial.

How to sell alcohol? Nordic alcohol monopolies in a changing epoch

“…Implications for the monopolies were pointed out, and the different responses and strategies of the Nordic countries were outlined (Österberg 1993;Ugland 1996Ugland , 2002Horverak 1993;Ólafsdóttir 1993).…”

Adaptation and Integration through Policy Re-categorization

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Making Policy in the European Union: The Council Recommendation on the Drinking of Alcohol by Young People

“…The story of alcohol and the EU has predominantly been one of how the alcohol control policies in certain countries have become challenged through negative reforms or indirect pressure (Ugland, 2000; see also Leibfried and Pierson, 1996). Through these Court and market driven processes, the Nordic state alcohol monopoly systems have been deregulated and liberalised, and the price levels on alcoholic beverages have been lowered and are currently under pressure for further reductions.…”