Skip to content

Europe’s drinking divide: Romania tops alcohol use while Greece lags behind

From Romania’s heavy drinking to Finland’s sky-high prices, Europe’s alcohol habits are anything but uniform. See where your country stands—and why.

In this picture there are five alcohol bottles placed on a table. There are labels on the bottles....
In this picture there are five alcohol bottles placed on a table. There are labels on the bottles. And the background is blurred.

Alcoholic drinks in Germany as cheap as in almost no other EU country - Europe’s drinking divide: Romania tops alcohol use while Greece lags behind

Alcohol consumption and pricing vary widely across the EU, with some countries drinking far more than others. A recent report highlights stark differences, from Romania's high intake to Greece's low levels. Prices also differ, with Finland topping the list for the most expensive drinks and Germany among the cheapest.

Romania leads the EU in alcohol consumption, with each person drinking an average of 17.1 litres per year. At the other end of the scale, Greece has the lowest intake, at just 7.0 litres per person annually. Germany sits in the upper third, with consumption dropping from 12.1 litres in 2012 to 11.2 litres in 2022.

When it comes to cost, Finland's alcohol prices are the highest in the EU—110% above the average. Germany, however, offers some of the cheapest drinks, with prices 14% below the EU average. Only Italy has lower alcohol prices than Germany. The data reflects a clear trend in Germany: drinking has steadily declined over the past decade. Despite this, the country remains above the EU's lower-consuming nations.

The figures show a clear divide in drinking habits and costs across Europe. Romania consumes the most alcohol, while Greece drinks the least. Finland's high prices contrast sharply with Germany's affordable options, where consumption continues to fall.

Read also:

Latest