---
title: "Sweet alcoholic drinks, a threat to young people. Authorities are preparing fiscal measures"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/86823/sweet-alcoholic-drinks-a-threat-to-young-people-authorities-are-preparing-fiscal-measures
published: 2026-10-04T07:45:00Z
language: en
author: "Redacția  TRM"
section: "Social"
source: moldova1.md
---

# Sweet alcoholic drinks, a threat to young people. Authorities are preparing fiscal measures

> Sweetened beverages and energy drinks will be subject to excise duties from 2027 in the Republic of Moldova, in order to discourage consumption and promote healthier food choices. Public health specialists warn that excess sugar promotes obesity and contributes to the development of noncommunicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and high blood pressure. Currently, more than 20% of the population of the Republic of Moldova is obese, according to Ion Șalaru, head of a department within the National Public Health Agency.

![imagine simbol](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/4be68513-a7ff-4edd-98d3-53cade437047.jpg)

*Sursa: imagine simbol*

Sweetened beverages and energy drinks will be subject to excise duties from 2027 in the Republic of Moldova, in order to discourage consumption and promote healthier food choices. Public health specialists warn that excess sugar promotes obesity and contributes to the development of noncommunicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and high blood pressure. Currently, more than 20% of the population of the Republic of Moldova is obese, according to Ion Șalaru, head of a department within the National Public Health Agency.

Although sugar consumption is declining, public health experts warn of the negative effects associated with excessive intake. Beyond weight gain and obesity, it is linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. Excessive sugar consumption can also exacerbate inflammatory conditions and trigger digestive issues and migraines.

Ion Șalaru, a department head at the National Agency for Public Health (ANSP), emphasized to Radio Moldova that cardiovascular diseases represent the primary burden on the Republic of Moldova's healthcare system, with high blood pressure affecting more than a third of the population.

*"Naturally, cardiovascular diseases place the greatest burden on the Republic of Moldova. High blood pressure ranks first among them, affecting over a third of the population; consequently, more than a third of deaths are attributable to high blood pressure,"* stated Ion Șalaru.

According to him, however, recent years have seen a downward trend in mortality among the population under the age of 70, decreasing by nearly one percentage point annually. The specialist advises individuals diagnosed with chronic conditions to monitor their health and adhere to appropriate dietary and physical activity regimens.

*"When we are diagnosed with a chronic illness, we must be aware of the condition and manage it—meaning we need to follow a proper diet and maintain a physical activity routine,"* Șalaru noted. Another issue highlighted by the ANSP representative is the consumption—particularly among young people—of sweet alcoholic beverages known as "alcopops." These products look and taste like soft drinks or fruit juices, which can mask the presence of alcohol, the concentration of which can reach up to 7%.

Against this backdrop, authorities intend to apply fiscal measures to these product categories as well. Ion Șalaru believes that raising taxes could help both increase budget revenues and reduce the popularity of alcoholic beverages among young people.

*"Specifically, the category of alcopops—sweet drinks with lower alcohol concentrations—is where dependency begins; that is where the habit of consuming alcohol starts,"* the specialist said.

He emphasized that fiscal measures must be complemented by healthy and attractive alternatives for young people, including physical and social activities.

*"It is important to find other engaging activities for young people that can break this habit and allow them to spend their time productively—engaging in physical exercise or other social activities that benefit society,"* Ion Șalaru noted.

Starting in 2027, the Republic of Moldova will introduce excise duties on sweetened soft drinks and energy drinks for the first time. The measure aims to discourage the consumption of high-sugar products and promote healthier dietary habits.

[Audio: https://trm.blob.core.windows.net/photos/b1edb24e-66c0-4da0-8827-9527a5d7b4af.jpg](https://original.trm.md/video/definst/MP4:2026/10/3/28-08-26-PRISACARI-ZAHARUL-BAUTURI.m4a/playlist.m3u8)

**Author: Veronica Scorpan**