Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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November 5, 2025 Healthcare
Smoking claims more than half a million lives in Europe each year, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, over the past 20 years—that is, since the European Union ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco—significant progress has been made in tobacco control policy.
Smoking claims more than half a million lives in Europe each year, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, over the past 20 years—that is, since the European Union ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco—significant progress has been made in tobacco control policy.
“Twenty years ago, the EU adopted this landmark UN convention and built domestic legal frameworks in line with the vision of the WHO Framework Convention – to save lives and protect people from the massive risks associated with tobacco use – from cancer and cardiovascular disease to tuberculosis and dementia,” said Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
"But despite decades of political efforts in all 27 EU member states, the burden of tobacco addiction remains colossal," he added.
Tobacco is one of the leading causes of death in Europe.
Although tobacco use in the EU is gradually declining, it still causes over 500,000 deaths annually. Of these, almost 80,000 are due to exposure to secondhand smoke.
In 2022, 26.5 percent of EU adults used tobacco, higher than the global average (20.9 percent). Almost one in four women in the EU smokes, higher than the global average (7.4 percent). Tobacco consumption is higher among men (29.1 percent) than among women (23.9 percent).
Tobacco remains the leading risk factor for premature death. Smoking accounts for 17 percent of all deaths from noncommunicable diseases in the EU.
Currently, only seven EU countries are moving towards the global target of reducing tobacco consumption by 30 percent by 2025.
Electronic cigarettes and youth
Today, the actions of tobacco companies, using a wide range of marketing strategies, are becoming a serious challenge for the future of the EU.
New tobacco and nicotine-containing products—e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches—often come in brightly colored packaging and fruity or sweet flavors. They are actively advertised, including through social media, to attract children and teenagers.
The WHO European Region already leads the world in vaping prevalence among adolescents aged 13–15, and this trend is rapidly growing. While smoking among adults is declining, the use of nicotine products among young people is increasing.
Almost one in four 15- to 16-year-olds in the EU uses e-cigarettes—ranging from 6 percent in Portugal to 36 percent in Poland. Since 2019, vaping rates among adolescents have increased in 22 of the 25 EU countries, with girls using e-cigarettes more frequently than boys in all countries.
Research shows that vaping nearly triples the likelihood of smoking traditional cigarettes among non-smoking teens.
Main problems
The implementation of evidence-based tobacco control measures across the EU remains uneven.
All countries monitor tobacco use and use large graphic warnings on packaging, but only eight countries have fully ensured smoke-free environments; only four countries have introduced a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
Meanwhile, in 14 countries, cigarettes have become more affordable since 2014 due to price reductions. By 2024, only six of the 27 EU countries have banned flavorings in e-cigarettes, and approximately half have introduced partial restrictions on their advertising.
The two main problems reported by EU countries are the emergence of new nicotine products and the ongoing interference of the tobacco industry in regulatory processes.
European Leadership and the Way Forward
For two decades, the European Union has proven that coordinated legislative action can change the trajectory of public health.
The WHO emphasizes that higher taxes and stricter restrictions on smoking, a complete ban on flavorings, uniform packaging for all nicotine products, and the elimination of loopholes in online advertising will help accelerate progress.
"A tobacco-free Europe is more than just an achievable goal. It's a future where children grow up free from addiction, the air is cleaner, and health and well-being are shared values," said Christina Mauer-Stender, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
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