**Fewer People in Cyprus Driven to Drink Than EU Average**
In a recent report released by Eurostat, data for 2025 indicates that alcohol consumption patterns in Cyprus are notably lower than the European Union (EU) average. According to the findings, only 1.9 percent of Cypriots aged 16 and over engaged in daily alcohol consumption, a figure significantly below the EU average of 4.8 percent.
The report highlights that while daily drinking rates in Cyprus are low, the trends shift when examining weekly and monthly consumption. Weekly alcohol consumption among Cypriots stands at 16.1 percent, which is also lower than the EU average of 19.2 percent. However, when looking at monthly consumption, Cyprus shows a different trend, with 22.1 percent of the population reporting alcohol use, slightly surpassing the EU average of 21.8 percent.
This data suggests a complex drinking culture in Cyprus, where the frequency of daily and weekly drinking is less prevalent compared to the broader European context, yet a significant portion of the population does consume alcohol on a monthly basis.
The Eurostat report also provides insights into broader European drinking habits. It reveals that a considerable number of individuals across the EU report low to no alcohol intake. Specifically, 20.7 percent of Europeans aged 16 and over consumed alcohol less than once a month in 2025. Additionally, a substantial 33.5 percent of the population either never drank or completely abstained from alcohol.
Gender differences in drinking habits are also pronounced in the report. In 2025, 56.5 percent of men in the EU consumed alcohol at least once a month, compared to only 35.9 percent of women. This gender gap highlights differing social norms and behaviors regarding alcohol consumption.
Age demographics further illustrate the variations in drinking patterns. The data shows that daily alcohol consumption is significantly higher among older individuals. Only 0.8 percent of young people aged 16 to 24 reported drinking alcohol daily, while the figure rises to 8.9 percent among those aged 65 and over. This trend suggests that as individuals age, their likelihood of consuming alcohol daily increases.
Socioeconomic factors also play a critical role in alcohol consumption behaviors. The report indicates a clear correlation between socioeconomic status and abstinence from alcohol. Among individuals at risk of poverty or social exclusion, 47.5 percent reported that they had never consumed alcohol or had not done so during the reference period. In contrast, this figure drops to 29.9 percent among individuals who are not at risk, suggesting that economic stability may influence drinking habits.
Overall, the Eurostat data presents a nuanced picture of alcohol consumption in Cyprus compared to the EU average. While daily and weekly drinking rates are significantly lower in Cyprus, monthly consumption is slightly above the EU norm. The findings also underscore the importance of considering factors such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status when analyzing drinking behaviors within the population. As Cyprus continues to navigate its cultural and social landscape, these insights may inform public health strategies aimed at promoting responsible drinking and addressing alcohol-related issues.