Luxembourg is experiencing a notable public well being milestone: smoking charges are on a transparent downward trajectory. The newest knowledge, commissioned by the Most cancers Basis and Luxembourg’s Ministry of Well being and Social Safety and performed by analysis agency Ilres, reveals that solely 23% of residents aged 16 and over now smoke—down from 27% in 2023. Each day smoking, particularly, has fallen to fifteen%. That is encouraging information for advocates of public well being and tobacco hurt discount alike.
But, whereas conventional cigarette use declines, a distinct pattern is rising—particularly amongst youthful Luxembourgers. E-cigarette use amongst 16–24-year-olds stands at 26%, and 16% on this group report utilizing nicotine pouches. Disposable vapes—often known as “puffs”—are overwhelmingly dominant, with 93% of younger vapers selecting this manner. This generational shift to non-combustible nicotine merchandise gives a chance for hurt discount, but additionally invitations renewed regulatory scrutiny.
Youth, nicotine, and the brand new regular
The recognition of NPs amongst younger individuals shouldn’t be seen as a setback, however moderately an indication that younger nicotine customers are selecting much less dangerous choices from the outset—bypassing flamable tobacco altogether.
The Most cancers Basis has expressed concern that this transition may mark a brand new wave of nicotine dependence, notably amongst youth. However for tobacco hurt discount advocates, this uptake of smoke-free merchandise gives a possible public well being victory—if managed responsibly.
The distinction between youth uptake and older demographics is putting: solely 3% of these over 35 use nicotine pouches, suggesting that these merchandise usually are not displacing conventional tobacco use throughout all age teams equally. Nonetheless, their recognition amongst younger individuals shouldn’t be seen as a setback, however moderately an indication that younger nicotine customers are selecting much less dangerous choices from the outset—bypassing flamable tobacco altogether.
Nonetheless, Luxembourg, like a number of EU nations, seems to be edging towards restrictive laws. According to European Union directives, the federal government has proposed new guidelines aimed toward curbing the enchantment of nicotine pouches and different various merchandise. Measures embody banning gross sales to minors, limiting promoting, limiting flavours, and capping nicotine concentrations.
Classes from Europe which Luxembourg shouldn’t ignore
Luxembourg’s evolving regulatory stance echoes tendencies seen elsewhere in Europe—a lot of which provide cautionary tales. Spain, as an example, has seen a dramatic decline in smoking—from 33.1% in 2022 to 25.8% in 2024—coinciding with a pointy rise in vaping. Each day e-cigarette use elevated by 30% throughout this era. But, regardless of the clear hyperlink between diminished smoking and elevated vaping, Spanish policymakers are pursuing flavour bans and excise taxes on reduced-risk merchandise.
Consultants warn that such measures may reverse current progress. Dr. Delon Human of Smoke Free Sweden has emphasised that Sweden’s low smoking charge—simply 5.3%, the bottom in Europe—is due largely to the nation’s openness to hurt discount merchandise like snus, nicotine pouches, and e-cigarettes. Spain, in distinction, dangers sidelining the very instruments which have helped hundreds stop smoking.
Denmark gives one other illustrative instance. After implementing a ban on flavoured vapes in 2022, vaping amongst Danes aged 15–29 rose from 7% to 12% in two years, suggesting that demand merely shifted underground. Flavours like fruit and sweet—formally banned—stay overwhelmingly most well-liked, accounting for over 60% of use. Business specialists argue that these restrictions have failed to cut back youth use and as a substitute pushed the market towards unregulated, unlawful sources.
Stop intentions on the rise
The European Faculty Survey Challenge on Alcohol and Different Medication (ESPAD) just lately bolstered these tendencies. Its findings present that whereas conventional smoking is declining amongst youngsters throughout Europe, vaping is surging. Practically half (44%) of surveyed teenagers reported making an attempt e-cigarettes, and 22% use them usually—a marked improve from 14% simply 5 years in the past. This mirrors Luxembourg’s knowledge and underscores a pan-European pattern of nicotine use shifting from flamable to non-combustible kinds.
On this context, Luxembourg’s regulators face a crucial coverage dilemma: embrace the hurt discount potential of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, or limit them in ways in which may unintentionally steer customers again to smoking or push them towards illicit markets.
One particularly hopeful facet of the current Luxembourg survey is the rising variety of individuals trying to stop. In 2024, 46% of present customers mentioned they needed to quit smoking or utilizing nicotine merchandise. This determine climbs to 62% among the many 16–24 demographic. Half of all younger customers have already tried quitting—considerably greater than the 34% stop try charge among the many common inhabitants.
To assist this momentum, the federal government is launching a nationwide marketing campaign coinciding with World No Tobacco Day on Could 31. Informational supplies—together with QR-coded playing cards—will likely be distributed in hospitals and clinics, connecting individuals to cessation sources.
Proof over emotion
The information constantly reveals that hurt discount instruments like vaping and nicotine pouches can play a pivotal position in decreasing smoking charges—particularly when supported by schooling, accessible cessation sources, and sensible regulation. A 2022 German survey discovered that the overwhelming majority (84.7%) of customers of smoke-free merchandise acknowledged them as safer than smoking. But solely 27.3% of people who smoke shared this perception, highlighting a serious information hole that coverage may assist deal with.
Furthermore, a current World Vapers’ Alliance ballot in Spain reveals that 92% of vapers are former people who smoke and 87% say flavours assist them keep off cigarettes. Over two-thirds credited flavours with serving to them minimize down or stop fully. Banning flavours, the survey discovered, may drive up smoking relapse or enhance black market exercise.
Charting a wiser course
Luxembourg is now at a pivotal second. With smoking in decline and public curiosity in quitting on the rise, the nation has a chance to double down on hurt discount—not dilute it. As an alternative of limiting entry to lower-risk merchandise, regulators ought to deal with sensible, science-based insurance policies that defend youth with out penalizing adults who’re making more healthy selections.
Sweden has proven what’s doable when hurt discount is embraced: dramatic drops in smoking and unparalleled public well being outcomes. Luxembourg, like the remainder of Europe, can observe go well with—if it resists reactionary bans and prioritizes proof over ideology. The trail ahead is obvious. Hurt discount works. Now’s the time to strengthen it.
Extra Mindless Vape Restrictions Crafted by the European Fee
