EU & UK: Finland, Ireland and the UK highest beer taxing countries in Europe

According to EU law, every EU country is required to levy an excise duty on beer of at least €1.87 per 100 litres (26.4 gal) and degree of alcohol content, translating to approximately €0.03 per 330ml (11.2 oz) beer bottle at 5% abv. However, only a few EU countries stick close to the minimum rate; most levy on much higher excise duties, according to a recent study by the Tax Foundation.

Finland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom are the three countries covered that levy the highest excise duties on beer in Europe. Finland has the highest excise tax on beer in Europe at €0.63 per 330ml beer bottle. Ireland and the United Kingdom are second and third, at €0.37 and €0.35, respectively.

Bulgaria, Germany, Luxembourg, Romania, and Spain are the countries levying approximately the EU’s minimum rate of €0.03 per beer bottle.