A coalition of 170 public health experts, doctors, and scientists from Spain and 38 other countries has issued a joint declaration demanding a radical shift in Spain’s anti-smoking policies. This unified push, titled “Less Harm: International Declaration for a Smoke-free Spain,” comes as the nation grapples with a daily smoking rate that encompasses roughly one-third of its adult population, exposing the severe limitations of current prevention-only strategies.
Spain currently maintains a significantly higher smoking rate than the broader European Union average. The country is home to outspoken and well-funded tobacco control organizations that actively oppose tobacco harm reduction and the use of vaping products. However, the international signatories argue that the data clearly demonstrates these traditional bodies are failing the nation by ignoring safer alternatives.
The core issue highlighted by the experts is the complete stagnation of national smoking rates. By relying solely on prevention and abstinence, the government has failed to bring rates down over the past two decades. According to the EDADES survey data cited in the declaration, the impact of current laws has entirely plateaued.
| Timeframe | Smoking Rate (Ages 15-64) | Policy Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 32.8% | Prior to the approval of Spain’s first major anti-smoking law. |
| 2019/2020 | 32.3% | Current stagnant rate despite years of strict prevention measures. |
“Smoke-free products—including vaping, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products—will drive out cigarettes and make major health improvements among those who switch or are diverted from smoking,” the harm reduction experts noted in their supporting letter. They emphasize that Spanish authorities now have a “golden opportunity” to implement pragmatic solutions for thousands of smokers who are either unable or unwilling to quit nicotine entirely.
The declaration strongly urges Spanish lawmakers to look outward. Nations recognized for progressive public health policies—such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, France, and the United States—have responded to the exhaustion of traditional bans by adopting innovative THR approaches. These countries factor in modern consumer behavior and advanced science to regulate new forms of consumption effectively.
To modernize Spain’s approach and align it with the realities of the 21st century, the “Less Harm” declaration outlines eight key proposals:
- Realistic Solutions: Anti-smoking policies must offer practical, achievable options for current smokers.
- Harm Reduction Integration: Utilize THR as a complementary tool alongside traditional cessation efforts.
- Science-Based Policy: Legislative actions must be grounded in scientific advancements rather than ideological opinions.
- Enhanced Education: Provide comprehensive training for health professionals and accurate information for consumers.
- Differentiated Regulation: Implement distinct regulatory frameworks for harm reduction products compared to combustible tobacco.
- Stricter Combustible Limits: Increase restrictions specifically targeting traditional combustible tobacco products.
- Global Learning: Actively learn from and adapt the successful anti-smoking frameworks of other nations.
- Collaborative Research: Promote ongoing research into smoke-free products through public-private sector partnerships.
