On November 13, 2024, the Swedes made history by becoming the first country in the European Union recognized as “smoke-free.”
According to the Swedish Public Health Agency, only 4.5% of Swedish-born adults smoke cigarettes. This is well below the global threshold of 5% that defines “smoke-free” status.
The Swedes have reached this goal 16 years ahead of the European Union’s target date, while most member countries lag far behind. By comparison, the average smoking rate in Europe is as high as 24%, which is five times higher than in Sweden.
Innovative Approach to Damage Reduction
This remarkable success is the result of Sweden’s pioneering policy to promote safer alternatives to cigarettes.
Dr. Delon Human, leader of the Smoke Free Sweden* campaign, emphasizes:
“This outstanding achievement is a watershed moment in global public health and proof of the effectiveness of progressive strategies in the fight against tobacco.
In the 1960s, nearly half of Swedish men smoked cigarettes. By promoting alternative nicotine products such as snus, nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, Sweden has shown how to successfully move toward a smoke-free society while protecting public health.
Sweden should become an inspiration to the world, proving that a pragmatic, science-based approach can produce spectacular results and save lives .”
Data that speaks for itself
Statistics show that 5.3% of all adults in Sweden, including immigrants, continue to smoke cigarettes. Interestingly, those born outside of Sweden are three times less likely to continue smoking after moving to this country.
Pragmatic Politics as the Key to Success
Dr. Anders Milton, a physician and former president of the Swedish Medical Association, explains:
“Sweden has succeeded with a practical approach based on harm reduction rather than prohibition. Safer nicotine products in a variety of flavors and concentrations are readily available both online and in stationary stores. Advertisements for these products help raise awareness and encourage people to choose them.
The Swedish government also applies a proportional excise tax, making smokeless products more affordable than cigarettes. This policy, supported by educational campaigns, allows consumers to make healthier decisions .”
Health and Social Benefits
The Swedish strategy is paying huge dividends: the country has the lowest rate of tobacco-related diseases in the EU, and the number of cancer cases is 41% lower than in other European countries.
Dr. Human adds:
“While Sweden is celebrating its historic achievement, most countries are far from achieving similar goals. Restrictive policies that limit access to safer nicotine alternatives, such as nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, are driving smokers away from tools that could save their lives.
Sweden’s success is living proof that alternative products can bring huge benefits when supported by evidence-based policies.
The Smoke Free Sweden* campaign is calling on all countries to re-evaluate their tobacco control strategies and include harm reduction as a key element in the fight against smoking. Sweden’s success should send a message to policymakers around the world – a progressive, scientific approach to nicotine alternatives can make smoking a thing of the past .”
A Lesson for the World
Sweden’s success shows that it is possible to fight smoking effectively, not by using bans, but by supporting people to make healthier choices. It is an inspiration to other countries that want to curb the problem of cigarette addiction.
What has Sweden taught us?
- Informing smokers about less harmful products: e-cigarettes, snus or nicotine pouches, help smokers move away from cigarettes.
- Lower taxes: Less harmful products should be cheaper than cigarettes to make them more accessible.
- Education: Campaigns that clearly explain what is harmful and what is a safer option.
- Fostering innovation: space to develop new technologies and products that help reduce harm.
- Avoiding bans: Strict restrictions often only hinder access to safer solutions.
Sweden has proven that a pragmatic approach works. Education, the availability of alternatives and sensible policies can also help other countries fight addiction. It’s a path worth pursuing.
*SmokeFree Sweden is a campaign that encourages other countries to follow the Swedish model in reducing smoking-related harm. For more information on Sweden’s success in the fight against smoking, visit: www.smokefreesweden.org
