The Europeanization of Swedish Alcohol Policy

Since Sweden became a member of the EU, the historically restrictive policies derived at national level must now work on a European level as well. Consequently, there has been a swift development of the alcohol policy area both in Sweden and more broadly in the EU. Drawing on the Europeanization literature, new analyses and insights focus on the intriguing interplay between the nation state and the EU when it comes to alcohol policy change. Previous research has shown that alcohol in the EU primarily has been seen in terms of commodities in the common market. Using Sweden as an example, this book also demonstrates how Swedish authorities have influenced EU policy making by putting alcohol on the agenda as a public health issue. This book describes how the emergence of a European alcohol policy has been made possible through a new focus on the EU level, with increased cooperation between member states and a trend toward harmonization of policy and frames. Thus it is of special interest for those studying political processes, the development of the EU and public health related questions.

Autorentext

Jenny Cisneros Örnberg, PhD: Department of Political Science at Stockholm University. Researcher at Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs (SoRAD), Stockholm.