Once celebrated as a cornerstone of European culture, alcohol consumption is undergoing a significant transformation.
As awareness around health risks grows, many Europeans are moderating their drinking habits — but not all countries are following the same path.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a firm stance: "No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health." While that message resonates with some, millions across Europe still consume significant amounts of alcohol. However, the long-term trend points to moderation.
According to new data cited by Euronews, alcohol consumption across much of Europe has decreased over the past decade, but some countries are bucking the trend, showing notable increases.
Steady Decline in Alcohol Use
In the European Union, alcohol consumption has dropped by 2.9 litres per person since 1980 — from 12.7 litres to 9.8 litres in 2020, marking a 23% decline. The WHO European Region, which includes 53 countries, saw a 21% drop between 2000 and 2020. Despite this, the region still leads globally in alcohol consumption, averaging 9.5 litres per person yearly — equivalent to 190 litres of beer or 80 litres of wine.
Where Alcohol Use Fell Most
Between 2010 and 2020, 14 European countries managed to cut their alcohol consumption by more than one litre per capita. The most dramatic declines were recorded in:
- Ireland and Lithuania: -2.1 litres per capita
- Spain and Greece: -2.0 litres per capita
- France, Finland, Cyprus, and the Netherlands: Each dropped over 1.5 litres
Greece stood out with the largest percentage drop, reducing consumption by 24.1%, followed closely by the Netherlands (-20.9%) and Spain (-20.4%).
This decline aligns with public health campaigns and lifestyle changes such as “Dry January,” as well as greater awareness of alcohol's role in noncommunicable diseases, including cancer.
Where Consumption Rose
On the flip side, 11 countries saw an increase in consumption. Latvia topped the list with a 2.3-litre rise per capita — a whopping 23.5% increase. Other countries with upward trends include:
- Bulgaria: +1.4 litres
- Malta: +1.1 litres
- Romania and Poland: +1.0 litre each
- Italy and Norway: +0.6 litres each
This reversal comes despite regional and national strategies aimed at reducing alcohol harm, suggesting policy implementation remains inconsistent.
Europe Still Drinks the Most
Despite progress, the WHO European Region — which includes 53 countries — still ranks highest globally in alcohol consumption, averaging 9.5 litres of pure alcohol per person per year. That’s roughly:
- 190 litres of beer, or
- 80 litres of wine, or
- 24 litres of spirits
Gender and Education Gaps
Heavy episodic drinking (binge drinking) reveals striking gender and education disparities. In 2019, 26.6% of men in the EU reported heavy drinking at least once a month, versus 11.4% of women. Romania, Denmark, and Germany showed the widest gender gaps.
Educational attainment also plays a role. Those with tertiary education are more likely to binge drink — possibly due to greater affordability — but suffer fewer alcohol-related harms compared to individuals with lower socioeconomic status.
Is Any Alcohol Safe?
According to WHO experts, the answer is clear: no. The risk begins with the first drop. While the amount matters, the best option for health is less — or none.
Source: EuroNews