More than ever, it is becoming clear how critical public debate around smoking is—and, above all, how essential it is that this debate be grounded in evidence-based data.
This discussion, now illuminated by significant research and reliable findings, is a key tool in shaping policies aimed at reducing the harm associated with tobacco products. Ultimately, it acts as a driving force toward building societies with less smoking and citizens better protected from its risks.
Europe Moves Forward—Greece Lags Behind
Armed with growing scientific evidence on the health impacts of smoking, many European countries have managed to significantly reduce tobacco-related harm.
Moving away from smoking is a key condition for reducing cancer cases—especially lung cancer, which continues to rise—while smoking remains a major contributing factor to cardiovascular disease.
Greece, however, despite having strict anti-smoking laws, continues to rank among the countries with the highest smoking rates.
According to Eurostat data for 2023:
- 36% of Greeks aged 15 and over smoke, placing Greece second in the EU
- Only Bulgaria ranks higher, at 37%
- Greece has the highest proportion of female smokers in the EU, with 32% of women reporting that they smoke
New Efforts and Scientific Support
As part of renewed efforts by the Ministry of Health to curb smoking, policymakers are increasingly relying on the scientific community and data analysis to guide interventions.
A recent nationwide survey on attitudes and behaviors toward nicotine products, conducted by Metron Analysis, reveals that Greek society is in a transitional phase.
However, overall progress requires stronger prevention policies and better protection of younger age groups. The ultimate goal aligns with the European target: reducing smoking rates to 5% by 2040.
The Ministry of Health itself acknowledges that the findings challenge many widely held assumptions—something considered highly valuable for policymakers.
The Research: What Greeks Are Actually Doing
The survey examined the use of different nicotine products—including conventional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products—as well as public perceptions.
Key findings include:
- Around 37% of Greeks report using some form of nicotine product, a rate similar to 2011
- However, conventional cigarette use has dropped significantly, from 36% in 2011 to 26% today
This suggests a shift in consumer behavior—either toward quitting or toward alternative nicotine products.
Despite this decline, addiction remains strong:
- Two out of three smokers consider themselves addicted
Quitting Is Hard—but Many Try
The data highlights both the desire—and the difficulty—of quitting:
- One in two smokers has attempted to quit around 30 times
- 65% say they seriously consider quitting in the future
The main reasons cited are:
- Health concerns
- Improved physical condition
- Financial burden
How Smoking Starts—and Changes
The vast majority of users begin with traditional cigarettes:
- 90% start with conventional cigarettes
- Only 3% begin with e-cigarettes
According to respondents:
- Two out of three cigarette users believe they are more addicted than users of alternative products
- They also acknowledge that quitting is more difficult and less effective
Health remains the primary motivation for quitting, while flavor and social acceptance appear to influence the shift toward alternative nicotine products.
Notably:
- Around 60% of e-cigarette users say these products helped them quit or reduce smoking
Health Perceptions and Social Influence
Most users believe that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are less harmful than conventional cigarettes, both for themselves and those around them.
Perceptions of heated tobacco products are even more positive, with a 53% positive opinion balance among users.
Many respondents also report improvements in personal health after switching, while word-of-mouth information plays a significant role in the spread of these alternatives.
Protecting the Next Generation
The findings underline the urgent need to strengthen prevention policies—particularly targeting younger age groups.
In this context, recent legislation banning the sale of tobacco products to individuals under 18, along with stricter penalties for violations introduced by the Ministry of Health, is seen as crucial.
These measures aim to protect the next generation and help establish a stronger non-smoking culture in Greece.
