Bosnia study shows household gains when smokers quit; EU reports illegal cigarette surge

A recent IPSOS survey of 4,000 people close to former smokers in Bosnia and Herzegovina found that 62 % noticed reduced exposure to second‑hand smoke after their relatives quit or switched to smoke‑free alternatives. Most respondents also reported improvements in family mood, quality of life and social engagement. The study highlighted strong support for reduced‑risk products, with 89 % rating heated tobacco, 87 % nicotine pouches and 84 % e‑cigarettes positively. Dr Branislav Lolić emphasized the need for “multiple approaches” in tobacco control, combining prevention, cessation support and regulated alternatives.

Separately, a KPMG analysis of the EU tobacco market showed that 10.3 % of cigarettes consumed in 2025 were illegal, amounting to 41.8 billion cigarettes and an estimated €16.7 billion loss in tax revenue. Croatia recorded a 4.5 % share of illegal consumption, costing €59 million in lost taxes. France remains the EU’s largest illicit market (41.4 % of illegal sales), while counterfeit cigarettes now represent 44 % of the illegal segment. Other affected states include Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Greece, which have seen varying trends in illicit trade.