European Union tobacco use rates decline to 16.5%

Eurostat data indicates a decline in tobacco use across the European Union, with the percentage of the population aged 16 and older using tobacco or related products—such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco—dropping from 17.5% in 2022 to 16.5% recently.

However, the statistics reveal inconsistent results across different nations. In France, high excise taxes intended to reduce consumption have led some users to turn to cross-border purchases, smuggling, or illegal channels, resulting in significant lost tax revenue and highlighting the need for stronger customs controls. In Greece, smoking rates fell from 24.2% in 2022 to 22.6% in 2025, suggesting that regulatory policies must account for deeply ingrained habits to be effective.