One of the most expensive countries in the European Union (EU) Greece remains in terms of retail selling prices of alcoholic drink In 2024, according to the latest data from the European Statistical Authority (Eurostat) in June, which was processed by the CEOOO.
More specifically, in 2024, the retail price of alcoholic beverages in Europe differ significantly among countries. The results of the survey are expressed in price indicators, which provide comparison of countries’ price levels in relation to the average of the European Union.
The countries included in the analysis, in 2024, are:
- The 27 EU Member States
- The Three Countries of the European Zone of Free Transaction (EKES) (Iceland, Norway and Switzerland)
- The six candidates (Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey).
According to Eurostat, alcohol price levels were three and a half times higher in Ireland, the most expensive country in 2024 (with index 285), compared to Italy the cheapest (with a price index of 83.9). This high price fluctuation does not impress as it is due to the large differences in specific consumption taxes in 36 countries.
Most expensive of the 36 countries, in drinks with alcohol was Icelandwith prices of 185% above the EU-27 average (price index 285.1), followed by Norway with a price index of 225.8, (by 102.2% higher than the European average) and Finland with a price index of 210.4 which is the most expensive within the European Union.
The lower price levels were recorded in Italy with a price index of 83.9 (16% below the average community), Germany with an index of 86.7 (12% under the average of EU-27) and Austria with a price index of 89.7.
Greece ranks 3rd most accurate in the European Union and the Eurozonewith a price index of 154 (by 54% higher than the European average).
It is also the most expensive country among Mediterranean and tourist competitive countries such as Croatia (125.6), Malta (125.3), Cyprus (with 119.2), Portugal (109.1), France (102.3), Spain (90.5) and Italy (83.9).
Among the 36 countries (including both the EFS /European Free Trade Zone, the countries of the Western Balkans and Turkey), Greece is in 6th place. The northern countries and Turkey are preceded by the issue of alcohol differently.
According to the SEOOOP, This position of Greece is apparently explained by the very high excise tax (EFK) of the alcoholic beverages in our country and VATprices that greatly raise the costs for the end consumer, while creating appropriate conditions for the development of illegal trade.
Focusing on the over -taxation of alcoholic beverages in Greece, the SEOOP notes Greece has the highest EFK of alcoholic in the EU in terms of purchasing power. Also, Greece is in the 5th adverse position within the EU-27 in terms of the height of the EFK at absolute prices. Specifically, the EFK of alcoholic beverages (at absolute prices) is by 35% higher than the average of the European Union.
Compared to countries offering a similar tourist product, Greece has 1,190 euros higher than Malta than Malta, 651 euros higher than France and over 1,500 euros than Italy, Spain, Croatia and Cyprus.
As the SEAOP points out, the EFK in recent years (after successive increases) corresponds to 1/3 of the final price of alcoholic beverages, while in combination with VAT, taxes make up 55% of the final price of a typical alcoholic beverage (50% in tsipouro & tsikoudia).
Indicative of the impact on the prices of successive increases in EFK and VAT is the fact that in 2009, in Greece prices were 8% higher than the EU average, while in 2024 it is 54% higher, ranking Greece in the third highest position in 2024 among EU countries 27.