Tobacco consumption is the major single cause for premature deaths in the European Union (EU).
Special Eurobarometer 458/2017 indicates that over a quarter (26%) of European citizens are currently smoking, and an increase in consumption amongst young people aged 15-24 is observed since 2014 (from 24% to 29%). Smoking within the EU is estimated to cause 700.000 deaths annually, half of which are among 35–69-year-olds. As smoking is responsible for half the difference in deaths across socio-economic groups, tobacco control has a major role to play in reducing health and social inequalities.
ENSP plays a major role in the EU to prevent the tobacco industry from biasing and slowing down the tobacco control community effort. Key objectives for 2018 are:
O.1 - To assist and support the European Institutions with the complete implementation of tobacco control legislation, through the effective transposition and enforcement of the TPD (2014/40/EU) and the implementation of the WHO FCTC - through the provision of solid scientific evidence and awareness raising at the EU level.
O. 2 -To strengthen advocacy capacity at EU MS National level, and more particularly to empower Civil Society organisations, Policy Makers, academics, experts and all other relevant stakeholders through the provision of science based evidence, increased health literacy, promotion of healthy lifestyle decisions, disease prevention and improving access to tobacco dependence treatment, through a wide range of channels and innovative tools
O. 3 - To reduce health inequalities due to tobacco use at the micro level, through focusing on the 3rd Health Programme thematic priority areas and tobacco use, and through the engagement of youth in tobacco control activities
O.4 - To enhance the sustainability of the actions performed through the Operating Grant so as to ensure the strategic long term development and return on EU investment in the post Operating Grant period