FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Members of the European Parliament Discuss Sweden Becoming Smoke-Free as a Model for the European Union
* The Swedish approach to reducing smoking rates to 5 percent should serve as a reference to the EU
* Sweden has implemented traditional smoking reduction measures and education programmes focused on prevention, and enabled alternative nicotine products that moved and kept smokers away from cigarettes
Brussels, Belgium, June 01, 2023 — On World No Tobacco Day, Members of the European Parliament and researchers from the global network We Are Innovation discussed the approach that is putting Sweden ahead of its counterparts with a record-low smoking rate of almost 5%. This is a mark that the EU aspires to achieve by 2040. Speakers included MEPs Sara Skyttedal, Johan Nissinen, and Tomislav Sokol, Dr Christopher Russel, and Federico N. Fernández.
Sweden is likely to achieve smoke-free status this year. This is 17 years ahead of the target established by the EU, where the average smoking rate is still around 23 percent. We Are Innovation conducted thorough research on the elements behind this achievement for their upcoming position paper “Leading the way to a smoke-free Europe: The experience of Sweden.” According to the research, Sweden has implemented the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control as well as EU legislation and recommendations to the highest standards, and education programmes focused on prevention. This approach is common to countries at the vanguard of smoking reduction. Sweden combined it with acceptance of innovation, including alternative nicotine products, which moved and kept smokers away from cigarettes.
Federico N. Fernández, CEO of We Are Innovation: “Sweden’s triumph over smoking, through blending traditional methods and innovative nicotine alternatives, emphasises the importance of creative solutions for a smoke-free future. Despite strict regulation, Sweden ensures the availability, acceptability, and affordability of these alternatives – the ‘three As’ ex-smokers value most, as confirmed by our IPSOS poll. The movement towards ANPs stresses personalised smoking cessation strategies that take into account gender-specific needs to conform to a more inclusive, effective harm reduction.”
MEP Tomislav Sokol (Croatia, EPP): “In examining good practices, we can look to Sweden as a clear model. The critical issue at hand is the comparison of cases between traditional smokers and those who utilise Alternative Nicotine Products (ANPs). While we still require more comprehensive data, prematurely dismissing these alternatives would be a mistake. The policies we establish must strategically prevent these products from becoming a stepping stone to smoking. As we move forward in these discussions, it’s important to ensure our approach remains data-driven, rather than ideologically driven.”
MEP Sara Skyttedal (Sweden, EPP): “The conversation surrounding the path to achieving a smoke-free status is of paramount importance. Contemporary European politics, much like life itself, involves a sequence of prioritizations and choices. We must recognize that the battle against cancer and against nicotine might not align perfectly. A choice must be made on which fight holds more urgency, and in my view, the primary goal should be encouraging people to stop smoking cigarettes. While e-cigarettes, snus, and nicotine pouches can’t be classified as ‘health products’, they don’t carry the same lethal impact as traditional cigarettes. Over-regulation, let alone outright bans as seen in several European countries, should be cautiously considered to avoid unintended consequences.”
MEP Johan Nissinen (Sweden, ECR): “The importance of this subject can’t be understated, and it undoubtedly merits more extensive discourse. Personally, I don’t use these products. Yet, it’s an undeniable fact that cigarettes pose a serious problem, despite their legality. My faith resides in the power of the market, and its ability to self-regulate. If cigarettes, with their known hazards, are allowed to be sold legally, it stands to reason that alternative nicotine products should also have a legal standing. With the right incentives in place, I trust in the capacity of individuals to make informed, healthier choices.”
Dr. Christopher Russell, PhD: “The Swedish approach has led to notable health outcomes, making Sweden the European country with the lowest rates of tobacco-related diseases. Cancer death rates and incidence rates in Sweden are 38 percent and 41 percent lower than the EU average, respectively.”
The experience of Sweden serves as a reference point for the EU and the world at large. It stands as a testament to the fact that a swift transition towards a smoke-free society is possible through an extensive approach. This involves implementing traditional legislation and measures to the highest standards, and innovative solutions that are inclusive of individual preferences to move and stay away from cigarettes, which the IPSOS polling has confirmed to be different.
ENDS
ABOUT WE ARE INNOVATION
We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who deeply believe in innovation’s power to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With over 30 think tanks, foundations and NGOs based worldwide, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, adopting new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are driving global transformative change. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/.
