Moldova has been identified as the European country with the heaviest alcohol consumption in 2023, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and various other sources. The report highlights that people over the age of 15 in Moldova drink on average 15.2 liters of pure alcohol per capita each year, which is the equivalent of around 167 bottles of wine .

Sources also reference the Netherlands, with an average of 14.9 liters of alcohol consumed per year per person. Following closely behind is the Czech Republic with 14.26 liters;  Serbia with 14.09 liters ; as well as Austria and Latvia with over 12 liters per adult, with the latter being the highest in 2021.

The high levels of alcohol consumption in Moldova have had a significant impact on public health, with one in four deaths in the country being related to alcohol, compared to the world’s average of one in 20. The prevalence of alcohol-related issues has led to devastating consequences for public health, with alcohol contributing to a significant number of deaths in the country.

Despite overall decreasing alcohol consumption levels in Europe, former Soviet countries like Moldova continue to have some of the highest drinking populations in the world. This trend has been attributed to various factors, including cultural and historical influences, as well as socioeconomic challenges.

The situation in Moldova has prompted discussions about the need for effective alcohol control programs and public health interventions to address the impact of heavy drinking on the population. The country's high alcohol consumption levels have also raised concerns about the broader social and economic implications of excessive drinking.

2023 underscores the importance of addressing the challenges associated with excessive drinking and implementing strategies to promote responsible alcohol consumption and improve public health outcomes.