Dutch Health Experts Call for Tougher Anti-Smoking Policies

As smoking becomes increasingly popular among young people, Dutch health experts are urging the government to strengthen its anti-tobacco policies. According to an article in Algemeen Dagblad newspaper on September 3, many believe that the "smoke-free generation" education campaign has failed.

According to a report by IA Krasnaya Vesna, four years have passed since the Dutch government announced its goal of reducing the number of smokers among the younger generation to 5% through large-scale measures. However, as of now, almost one-third of young people in the Netherlands smoke, which is an increase compared to the number of smokers in 2020.

According to current plans, cigarettes will become increasingly expensive and by 2024, tobacco will be withdrawn from supermarket sales. In places where smoking regular cigarettes is currently prohibited, the use of electronic cigarettes will also be banned. However, the Health Fund claims that a more radical solution is needed, such as a 10% annual increase in cigarette prices.

Pulmonologist and anti-smoking activist Wanda de Canter has stated that a structural increase in cigarette prices has been proven to be one of the most effective methods for reducing smoking. However, this plan has been blocked by lobbying from the tobacco industry, and even proposals to increase consumption tax by one euro and ban flavored e-cigarettes have been delayed.

According to the report, Health Minister Martin van Ooyen, who had previously proposed raising the price of a pack of cigarettes by 30-47 euros by 2040, is expected to soon present recommendations to parliament reflecting the views of activists and health workers.

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