WHO urges EU to raise alcohol taxes as youth drinking declines in Spain

The World Health Organization’s latest study, published in The Lancet Regional Health‑Europe, recommends that the European Union increase alcohol taxes, restrict advertising and limit sales. The analysis estimates that such measures could prevent up to 9,220 cancer cases across the EU, noting that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for cancer risk.

In Spain, a health survey shows a sharp fall in regular alcohol use among young people. The share of 15‑ to 24‑year‑olds who drink habitually dropped from 43.8% in 2006 to 17.9% today – a decline of about 60%. About 30.6% of 15‑ to 29‑year‑olds report never drinking, while 25.1% say they rarely do. Despite the decline, non‑drinkers still face social pressure to consume alcohol in nightlife settings, according to Fad Juventud director Beatriz Martín Padura.