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Welcome to the ENSP newsletter, your source of information on tobacco control across the WHO European Region. At ENSP, our mission is to end the tobacco epidemic and beat cancer through collaborative efforts, research, and advocacy.
Join us in our journey to achieve a tobacco- and nicotine-free world! |
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Launch of the 4th Edition of the ENSP Tobacco and Nicotine Dependence Treatment Guidelines |
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We are excited to announce the release of the 4th Edition of the ENSP Tobacco and Nicotine Dependence Treatment Guidelines! This updated version includes important enhancements to keep you informed about the latest developments in the field. |
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Key updates in this edition include:
- Updated Pharmacotherapy Recommendations – This section now provides the most current evidence on available and effective pharmacotherapies for tobacco and nicotine dependence, ensuring that you have access to the latest treatment options.
- European Standards for Accreditation of Tobacco Cessation Services – We’ve included updated standards to support the continuous improvement of tobacco cessation services across Europe.
- Training in Tobacco Cessation – A thorough revision of the guidelines for the training of healthcare professionals, reinforcing the importance of providing high-quality education and support in tobacco cessation.
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We encourage you to review these updates and incorporate them into your practice. Together, we can continue to lead the way in effective tobacco and nicotine dependence treatment across Europe.
You can also explore the other editions of the ENSP Guidelines HERE.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to tobacco control and public health!
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Educational Event in Moldova raises awareness on tobacco risks |
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On the 1st of April 2025, the Coalition for Respiratory Health in Moldova, esteemed members of the ENSP, hosted an impactful educational event at the Sociocultural University Complex in Chișinău, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and promoting a tobacco-free future. With the distinguished participation of the ENSP Secretary General, Cornel Radu-Loghin, the event brought together experts, students, and community members for a dynamic discussion on the health risks of tobacco use, evidence-based prevention strategies, and actionable solutions to protect future generations. To celebrate the launch of the latest ENSP material on Tobacco Dependence Treatment, Prof Alexandru Corlateanu, from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Moldova, proudly received the 4th ENSP Guidelines during this event. |
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Safeguarding the Health of EU Citizens A European Parliament Resolution proposal on WHO FCTC Article 14 |
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The European Parliament,
- having regard to the Commission's Green Paper
Towards a Europe free from tobacco smoke: policy options at EU level (COM (2007) 27),
- having regard to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and in particular, Article 14 (demand reduction measures concerning tobacco dependence and cessation),
- having regard to the 2004 WHO European strategy for smoking cessation policy,
- having regard to the 2007 WHO policy recommendations on protection from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke,
- having regard to the European Commission’s regulation of tobacco and nicotine products on the EU market (e.g., packaging, labeling, and ingredients), Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU),
- having regard to the European Commission’s advertising restrictions for tobacco products, Tobacco Advertising Directive (2003/33/EC),
- having regard to the European Commission’s Directive 2010/12/EU on tax measures on tobacco,
- having regard to the international Protocol on illicit trade in tobacco products adopted under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (2012),
- having regard to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and its goal to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2040,
- having regard to the European Green Deal and its commitment to improving public health through a reduction in environmental pollutants, including tobacco smoke and related waste,
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Acknowledging that:
A. Tobacco smoke composition: Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including harmful substances such as hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and carbon monoxide. B. Global mortality due to tobacco use: Tobacco use continues to be a leading cause of preventable death, responsible for over 8 million deaths worldwide annually.
C.European tobacco-related mortality: The European region experiences approximately 700,000 tobacco-related deaths each year, with about 50% of tobacco users dying prematurely.
D. Health risks of nicotine products: Emerging evidence highlights health risks associated with nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. For instance, e-cigarette use has been linked to short-term lung injury and cardiovascular stress.
E. Smoking prevalence in Europe: In 2023, nearly a quarter (24%) of the Europeans continue to smoke, 22% of which are between 15 to 22 years old. While this indicates a decline, smoking remains a significant public health concern.
F. Economic burden: Tobacco use imposes a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems and economies. For example, in Belgium, the annual healthcare costs attributed to smoking are significant.
G. Exposure during pregnancy and adolescent brain development: Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy poses severe health risks to the fetus, and nicotine exposure can adversely affect adolescent brain development.
H. Quit attempts and support utilization: A significant proportion of smokers attempt to quit, but many do not utilize medical support or cessation services, which can enhance success rates.
I. Effectiveness of cessation interventions: Cessation interventions, particularly those combining behavioral support and pharmacotherapy, significantly increase the likelihood of quitting successfully.
J. Combined behavioral support and pharmacotherapy: Combining behavioral support with pharmacotherapy is among the most effective evidence-based methods for smoking cessation.
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Calls for Action:
- Welcomes the progress made in implementing WHO FCTC measures and urges continued commitment to Article 14.
- Calls on the European Commission to update policies to reflect the latest evidence on nicotine dependence as foreseened in the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and include nicotine products in cessation measures.
- Urges Member States to establish comprehensive cessation services, ensuring accessibility and affordability for all citizens, particularly vulnerable populations.
- Calls for stricter regulation and monitoring of nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and novel tobacco products, to prevent youth initiation and dependence.
- Requests that smoking cessation services be fully integrated into national healthcare systems and available through primary healthcare providers.
- Requests that all Member States provide free pharmacotherapy to citizens during cessation interventions.
- Encourages the establishment of standardized training for healthcare professionals on cessation interventions, ensuring evidence-based support for tobacco and nicotine users.
- Calls on the Commission to conduct a comprehensive assessment of smoking and nicotine cessation facilities across Europe and develop best practices tailored to regional needs.
- Supports the development of a European Directive mandating the treatment of tobacco and nicotine dependence within national healthcare frameworks.
- Emphasizes the importance of public awareness campaigns, quitlines, digital cessation tools, and behavioral counseling in cessation programs.
- Recommends increased taxation and regulation of nicotine products to discourage initiation and support cessation efforts.
- Supports the alignment of tobacco and nicotine cessation policies with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, ensuring that cessation efforts contribute to achieving a tobacco-free generation by 2040.
- Calls for environmental measures in line with the European Green Deal, addressing the impact of tobacco product waste, including cigarette butts and single-use vaping devices, on public health and the environment.
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Conclusion:
The European Parliament urges all Member States to take immediate and sustained action in implementing effective cessation policies, in line with WHO FCTC Article 14, to protect public health and reduce the burden of tobacco and nicotine dependence across Europe.
Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission.
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Over 120 Organisations Back Health Ministers’ Urgent Call to Revise EU Tobacco Directives |
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On 14 April 2025, over 120 organisations - including the Smoke Free Partnership (SFP) Coalition, the European Respiratory Society (ERS), the European Cancer Organisation (ECO), and the European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention (ENSP) - joined forces to support the call of 12 EU Health Ministers urging the European Commission to urgently revise the Tobacco Products Directive, the Tobacco Advertising Directive, and the Tobacco Taxation Directive.
With rising tobacco and nicotine product use among young people, these organisations emphasize that delayed action jeopardizes the EU’s goal of a Tobacco-Free Generation by 2040 and undermines its own cancer prevention efforts. The ENSP stands firmly alongside European health leaders in calling for modernised legislation that protects future generations from addiction and preventable diseases.
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All publications from the TPC Journal can be found here. |
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Hongying Daisy Dai, Ellen Kerns, Hana Niebur, Ashley Deschamp, Rachel Johnson, Kaeli Samson, James Buckley, Summer Woolsey |
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