A new report has revealed that only 14% of Europeans are aware that the illegal tobacco market causes member states of the European Union to miss out on over 10 billion euros in revenue each year. Meanwhile, more than 65% of respondents believe that illicit tobacco is an EU-wide issue, with two-thirds of those surveyed supporting different policy approaches.
These are the results of a new survey commissioned by PMI and conducted by research firm Povaddo across 13 European countries. The results were released during a media event in Brussels on Thursday.
Two-thirds of over 13,000 European adults surveyed by the European Union believe their countries have problems with illegal tobacco and nicotine-containing products, according to an investigation.
The results also showed that while European citizens recognize the use and trade of illegal tobacco products as a significant threat to their safety, security, and public health, they are not fully aware of the true extent of the illegal trade and its impact on national revenue loss.
According to a survey, 67% of respondents have reported that anti-smoking policies are being impacted by illegal activity. They believe that the growing illegal market is preventing many smokers from quitting or from switching to more expensive new nicotine products.
It is said that pragmatic thinking and common sense are needed to benefit all citizens in Europe and achieve positive change quickly. The survey results emphasize the demand of the public for "wise" tax methods based on risk and evidence, in order to:
Playing a role in encouraging citizens to make better lifestyle choices (66%). Motivating industries to develop innovative products that benefit consumers, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to sustainable development (73%). Encouraging interested adult smokers to switch to scientifically proven smoke-free alternatives, through taxation at a lower rate than cigarettes, but still high enough to prevent use by young people or non-smokers (69%).
Additionally, 60% of the population believes that government approval of innovative tobacco products will have a positive impact on smokers - who, on average, have lower wealth and knowledge levels - and in many EU countries, smokers represent a significant proportion of the smoking population. They should be treated equally with other Europeans who have quit smoking or chosen new products with more privileges.
Grégoire Verdeaux, Senior Vice President of PMI responsible for external affairs, spoke at an event, stating: "We are aware of the potential for doing better for adult smokers, as several member countries have already done in energy, automobiles, and alcohol. Pragmatic policies have the ability to improve people's lives, encourage companies to innovate better, and provide equal opportunities to access technological advancements, especially during times of economic instability.
William Stewart, President and Founder of Povaddo Research, expressed a hope that these findings will encourage the European Union and national authorities to take some time to evaluate the results of current policies and consider alternative methods.
He suggested that this could be achieved through "reasonable regulation and taxation while creating an environment that promotes innovation.
Stuart stated that one of the objectives of the investigation is to "evaluate the perceptions and attitudes of Europeans towards policies aimed at addressing illegal tobacco consumption, adult smoking, and measures aimed at helping them quit smoking or switch to healthier alternatives.
He highlighted that this investigation also aims to focus on whether adult smokers are receiving the correct support, "given the current inflation and economic uncertainty in Europe.
According to the survey respondents, the development of smokeless technology should be able to drive progress and play an important role in public health, supplementing existing measures.
61% of respondents believe that in addition to encouraging complete cessation of dangerous behavior, the EU should prioritize policies and strategies aimed at improving the lives of those who continue to smoke, drink irresponsibly or use drugs.
69% believe that innovation, technological breakthroughs, and science have played a role in reducing smoking rates.
Nearly three-quarters (72%) of people agree that the European Union should invest time and resources into eradicating smoking, encouraging all smokers to quit, or for those who don't quit, switch to scientifically proven smoke-free alternatives.
According to media reports, an increasing number of countries are implementing risk-based regulation, which is "encouraging" as it can play a "decisive role in encouraging consumers to adopt better alternative options without giving up, and pushing companies to invest in innovation.
It is worth noting that cigarettes are one of the most commonly trafficked illegal goods in the world, and can be categorized into three main categories: smuggled products, counterfeit products, and illegal “white” cigarettes.
In November 10-15, Povaddo conducted an online survey of 13,630 legally aged adults aged 18 and older in 13 EU member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Spain. Approximately 1,000 online interviews were conducted in each country/region (roughly evenly distributed between adults who use and do not use nicotine-containing products).
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