Helsinki
Several Finnish politicians called this week for the reversal of the huge tax cut on liquor that has spurred binge drinking. Finland cut its liquor taxes by 44 percent in March, and since then liquor sales have soared. The tax cut was prompted by fears that, after neighboring Estonia joined the E.U. in May, Finns would simply be able to zip across the Gulf of Finland and buy far cheaper Estonian liquor. Scandinavians already take frequent boat trips to other E.U. countries to load up on cheap alcohol. The E.U. is considering harmonizing liquor taxes across the union in an effort to prevent such “booze cruises.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellationCartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop sceneIn the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
