Europe's tobacco profile: where the most people smoke

Eurostat has published the latest report on Sustainable Development Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-being, where one of the key indicators is the prevalence of smoking in the EU population aged 15 years and over. This parameter reflects countries' efforts to reduce behavioural and environmental health risk factors.

In 2023, the smoking rate in the EU is 24% - 2 percentage points lower than in 2017 (26%). The gender gap remains marked, with 28% of men and 21% of women smoking. However, these averages mask significant differences between countries.

Sweden, the traditional leader in healthy lifestyles, reaffirms its reputation: only 8% of the population over the age of 15 smokes here. This is the lowest figure in the EU. The Netherlands (11%) and Denmark (14%) follow. Especially noteworthy is the minimal difference between men and women in Sweden: 9% and 8% respectively. In Denmark it is 16% men versus 12% women, and in the Netherlands it is 13% and 10%.

At the other end of the spectrum are Bulgaria (37%), Greece (36%) and Croatia (35%) with the highest rates. Almost half of the male population smokes in Bulgaria (49%), Latvia (48%) and Lithuania (43%). Among women, the highest rates are found in Greece (32%), Croatia (30%) and Romania (29%).

Reducing the proportion of smokers is one of the priorities in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Tobacco control is closely linked to the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases, including cancer, strokes and heart disease. These data serve not only as a statistical indicator, but also as a basis for health and tax policy reforms.

Progress in reducing tobacco dependence in the EU is happening, but it is uneven. While some countries are achieving near 'smokeless' status, others face persistent cultural and social barriers. Transition requires not only prohibition measures but also sustained behaviour change supported by education, information campaigns and access to help.