Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs proposed on Thursday that Europeans should each consume one less beer per year, suggesting that the savings could be redirected to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russia, according to reports from EFE and Agerpres.
“One less beer per year for every European… That beer simply represents a cost. What is at stake are human lives. We drink less, and they save their lives. It’s that simple,” Kulbergs stated during a press conference at the opening of this year’s autumn European Council held in Brussels.
This comment comes as EU leaders prepare to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday to discuss the ongoing war with Russia, alongside important negotiations regarding the future multiannual budget of the EU, which currently faces numerous disagreements.
Upon arriving at the meeting, Kulbergs emphasized the necessity of “continuing support for Ukraine” as a very challenging winter approaches, noting the escalation of hostilities with Moscow. He asserted that the 27 member states “must be capable of demonstrating their strength” and learn to “not always depend on others” when it comes to providing crucial support to Kyiv against a Russia that is reportedly not making significant gains on the front and is suffering heavy losses.
According to the latest report from the Brewers of Europe, a total of 29.128 billion liters of beer were consumed within the European Union in 2025. Dividing this figure by the 370 million adults in the EU—out of a total population of 450 million—results in an average per capita consumption of approximately 79 liters per year, which is equivalent to around 239 beers of 330 ml each.
