Brussels, 31/05/2006 (Agence Europe) - World No Tobacco Day on 31 May provided some good news: the number of people smoking in the EU has dropped from 33% in 2002 to 27% by Autumn 2005, and 80% of Europeans would like to see smoking banned in public places. These are two of the main findings of the European Commission's latest Eurobarometer survey on tobacco.
In a press release the European Commission is fully supporting WNTD by backing a wide range of anti-tobacco actions, including 25 national events of the HELP anti-tobacco campaign. Markos Kyprianou, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection said: “This survey shows that we are making progress in reducing the numbers of smokers and reveals the ever-growing strength of feeling against smoking in Europe. More and more of us don't smoke and don't want to be anywhere near smokers either. I am delighted that the tide is turning and the message is getting through - smoking is a fool's game, harming you and those around you. However, I also know the battle against the scourge of tobacco is a relentless one, but one we will continue to fight on all fronts. I urge all Member States to take stronger actions against tobacco - this survey shows that in doing so they have the backing of the public.” The main results of the Eurobarometer survey are: the percentage of people smoking in the EU was 33% in 2002, and 27% in 2005; the number of people saying they have never smoked has risen from 42% to 47% since 2002. 57% of women have never smoked, compared to 35% of men. The number of people who have given up smoking has risen from 19% to 22%. Women and young people smoke the least. The drop in smoking is most marked among these groups too, although there are considerable variations among Member States. Tobacco consumption varies considerably from one Member State to another. 75% of people are aware that tobacco smoke can be dangerous for non-smokers. Young people are the most bothered by smoke, due to its unpleasant aspects, such as smell. 56% of people are in favour of a smoking ban in restaurants.