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.
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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