European Commission
Tobacco is the single largest cause of avoidable death; it accounts for over half a million deaths each year in the EU. It is estimated that 25% of all cancer deaths and 15% of all deaths in the Union could be attributed to smoking1.
In order to curb this epidemic, the EU is actively developing a comprehensive tobacco control policy. This is characterised by legislative measures, support for Europe-wide smoking prevention and cessation activities, mainstreaming tobacco control into a range of other Community policies (e.g. the domains of agriculture, taxation and development) and, finally, establishing the EU as a major player in tobacco control at a global level2.
The current Flash Eurobarometer on Tobacco (Flash No 253), requested by the Directorate General Health and Consumers, was conducted to evaluate the EU citizens’ and Norwegians’ attitudes towards tobacco.