According to the latest data, published by Eurostat and processed by the Greek Federation of Spirits Producers- SEAOP, Greece remained in 2025 one of the most expensive countries in the European Union in terms of retail prices for alcoholic beverages, including spirits, beer and wine.
The table and map below present a detailed comparison of price levels across European countries.
The Countries with the Most Expensive Drinks
Significant differences in retail price levels for alcoholic beverages were recorded across Europe in 2025. The results of the survey are expressed in price indices, which provide a comparison of countries' price levels with the European Union average.
The 36 countries included in the analysis in 2025 are:
- the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU),
- the three countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (Iceland, Norway and Switzerland),
- the six candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey).
Based on Eurostat data, price levels for alcoholic beverages were three times higher in Iceland, the most expensive country (with an index of 298.2). Norway follows with an index of 226.4 (+126.4% above the European average) and Turkey with an index of 210.2 (+110.2%). At the opposite end, the lowest price levels were recorded in Italy with an index of 81.9.
This large variation is not surprising, as it is due to the significant differences in Excise Duties applied in the 36 countries and in taxation policies. The Scandinavian countries and Ireland impose high taxes to discourage alcohol consumption and to finance public healthcare, while most Mediterranean countries, which have much lower levels of alcohol consumption (with the exception of Greece), impose significantly lower Excise Duties to support local wine and beer production.
The most expensive countries in the European Union
- 1st is Finland with 207.3, consistently the highest in the EU, with alcohol prices 107.3% above the EU average, and 2nd is Ireland with 192.1.
- Greece (with 154) and Sweden (with 149.8) follow closely behind, at 50% above the EU average.
The cheapest countries in the European Union
- Italy (with 81.9): Ranked as the cheapest in the EU for alcohol, with prices 18% below the EU average.
- Germany follows, 14% below the EU average.
- Austria, Spain and the Czechia: generally around 10% below the EU average.
This means that alcohol is generally cheaper than the EU average in the four largest economies of the EU. France is the only exception, with prices at 101, approximately 1% higher than the EU level.
Greece's position
Greece is an exception in terms of how alcoholic beverages are taxed in the Mediterranean south. According to official Eurostat data, Greece consistently ranks among the most expensive countries in the European Union for alcoholic beverages. This is mainly due to the very high Excise Duty and VAT rates imposed during the economic crisis on spirits and beer, which detached the country's tax policy from that of the rest of Southern Europe. Factors that drive up the cost for the final consumer and at the same time create fertile ground for the growth of illicit trade.
- It is the 3rd most expensive country in the European Union and the Eurozone, with a price index of 154 (54% higher than the European average)
- Greece is the most expensive country among Mediterranean and competing tourism destinations, ahead of Croatia (133.9), Malta (124.1), Cyprus (113.8), Portugal (107.1), France (100.9), Spain (90.1) and Italy (81.9).
- It ranks 7th among the 36 countries (including both EFTA / European Free Trade Association countries, Western Balkan countries and Turkey). It is worth noting here that it is preceded by countries that have a different approach to alcohol.
The Greek Federation of Spirits Producers proposes
Based on the above findings, Greek Federation of Spirits Producers proposes the gradual alignment of Greece's excise duty on alcoholic beverages with the EU average, over a three-year period, a measure that is fiscally neutral or even positive (IOBE study March 2026: " The Spirits Sector in Greece: Contribution to the economy and prospects", as it is expected to:
- Strengthen healthy entrepreneurship by providing incentives to integrate consumption into legal channels at all stages of on-site consumption, in the tourism sector and in catering, while also boosting domestic beverage production
- Increase GDP and employment while maintaining a balanced budget.
- Lead to a reduction in the retail price of a typical bottle of spirits.
- Streamline the tax framework, bringing Greece closer to countries with similar tourism products, strengthening the sustainability and resilience of HORECA businesses
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