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Latest Eurobarometer Reveals EU’s Smoke-Free Goal Fails by 60 Years

By Alicia Snow-Simpson 10th July 2024 3 Mins

ADVERTISMENT: Flonq AD

The World Vapers Alliance calls for an urgent reassessment of the EU’s approach to its smoke-free goal after the Eurobarometer 2024 report reveals a startling failure.

The latest Eurobarometer 2024 report highlights a significant shortcoming in the EU’s strategy to reach its smoke-free target, which aims for a smoking rate of just 5%.

According to the current trend analysis, this target will not be met until the year 2100, which is a staggering 60 years beyond the original goal of 2040.

Director of the World Vapers Alliance, Michael Landl had this to say:

“By stubbornly targeting harm reduction products instead of focusing on the real issue, the EU is not just failing but actively sabotaging public health efforts.”

“This disastrous approach must end now. Instead of fighting products such as vaping or nicotine pouches, they must become a cornerstone of future public health strategies.

Otherwise, the fight against smoking will be lost.”

Michael Landl, Director, World Vapers’ Alliance

The report also provides detailed insights into a variety of alternative nicotine products.

2% of Europeans use heated tobacco products, 3% are vapers, and 4% have tried nicotine pouches.

Eurobarometer graph displaying the percentage of e-cigarette users compared to non-users in the EU

Vaping devices, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches were identified as playing a crucial role for those who are attempting to quit smoking or reduce their cigarette use, and are not generally appealing to non-users.

Additionally, the data shows that vaping is substantially more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRT).

Specifically, vaping increases the likelihood of successfully quitting smoking by a factor of 2.5 compared to NRT, underscoring its potential as a key component in smoking cessation efforts.

Commenting on these findings the World Vapers’ Alliance said:

“The EU’s focus on these products is misplaced.

“With an average smoking rate of 24% in the EU, the priority should be on helping smokers switch to less harmful alternatives.”

The report also drew attention to the stark difference between Sweden’s successful decline in smoking rates compared to the EU’s.

Sweden’s smoking rate is three times lower than the EU average (while 26% of people use snus & 20% have tried nicotine pouches).

The World Vapers’ Alliance added:

“The report clearly indicates that the EU’s current strategy is failing.

It’s time to prioritise harm reduction and make effective changes to save lives.”

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About this author

Alicia Snow-Simpson

Alicia Snow-Simpson is a seasoned marketing professional with over four years of dedicated service at Vapouround. As a key member of the marketing department, she is often seen working with client's on various marketing and advertising strategies, representing Vapouround at various vape expos around the world or developing content for Vapouround's extensive digital channels. With a keen eye on the dynamic vaping industry, Alicia is passionate about sharing the facts about tobacco harm reduction and the successful role that vaping can play in a smokers journey to quit.