One in six people aged 16 or older in the European Union used tobacco, e-cigarettes, or nicotine pouches on a daily basis in 2025, according to data released by Eurostat. The figures reflect a slow but steady decline across the bloc as European policymakers work toward creating a “Tobacco-Free Generation” under the Beating Cancer Plan.
Daily consumption remains highest among adults aged 35 to 49 at 21.3%, followed closely by those aged 25 to 34 (19.9%) and adults aged 50 to 64 (19.8%).
Daily Nicotine Consumption Across EU Member States
Overall daily consumption dropped across 17 EU member states between 2022 and 2025. Spain and Luxembourg recorded the steepest declines, whereas Croatia and Lithuania saw consumption rates climb.
| Rank | Member State | Daily Use Rate (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Use | Bulgaria | 26.3% |
| Highest Use | Sweden | 23.9% |
| Highest Use | Croatia | 23.6% |
| Lowest Use | Belgium | 13.6% |
| Lowest Use | Ireland | 11.7% |
| Lowest Use | Netherlands | 9.9% |
Health Impacts and Persistent Gaps in Public Awareness
Tobacco remains a primary cause of preventable mortality. Data from the World Health Organization shows that tobacco accounts for 71% of lung cancer deaths among European men and 46% among women.
Despite mandatory graphic health warnings on packaging, public awareness of specific risks remains uneven. A study published in the medical journal BMJ Open revealed that while more than 90% of Europeans know smoking causes lung cancer, only about 80% connect smoking to heart disease. Recognition of stroke risks and the dangers of second-hand smoke remains even lower, with awareness levels dropping in countries such as Germany, France, and Romania.
