According to data from World Population Review (2022), Romania tops the list at 17.1 liters of pure alcohol per year, followed by Georgia (15.5 L), Latvia (14.7 L), Moldova (14.1 L), Czechia (13.7 L), Lithuania (12.2 L), Namibia (12 L), Poland (11.9 L), Austria (11.8 L), and Bulgaria (11.5 L).

This trend aligns with broader patterns documented by global health institutions. The World Health Organisation’s Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health tracks per-capita consumption (recorded and unrecorded) among adults aged 15 and older.

WHO data show that Europe continues to register some of the highest national averages, with the European region’s average per capita alcohol consumption among the highest globally.

Health risks, trends, and shifts in drinking culture

High alcohol consumption carries well-documented health and social risks. The WHO notes that harmful alcohol use is a major contributor to noncommunicable diseases (such as liver disease, cancers, cardiovascular disorders) and injuries.

However, a report by the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) suggests some positive movement: the 2025 progress report confirms a roughly 20% drop in alcohol-attributable deaths in several countries, indicating that prevention and policy interventions may be having an impact.

In parallel, consumer preferences are shifting. In Europe, a market survey by Circana shows that many young adults are reducing alcohol intake for health and taste reasons. Over 70% of respondents said they’re drinking less, and nearly a quarter of 25-to-35-year-olds reported quitting alcohol entirely.

These changes reflect broader trends in the global beverage industry. According to IWSR’s latest analysis, 2025 is shaping up to be a transitional year, with “premiumisation,” new lifestyle norms, and evolving regulatory landscapes influencing alcohol markets.