Sweden Presents Snus-Based Smoke-Free Model to European Union

Sweden's Pioneering Smoke-Free Achievement

On October 11, 2025, Sweden is presenting its unique approach to tobacco control, centered on the use of snus, as a potential model for a smoke-free European Union. The Scandinavian nation has achieved remarkably low smoking rates, with daily smoking prevalence among Swedish-born adults at just 4.5%, a figure that places it well below the globally recognized 5% threshold for 'smoke-free' status. This contrasts sharply with the European Union's average smoking rate, which stands at approximately 24%.

Sweden's success is largely attributed to its pragmatic approach to harm reduction, which includes the widespread availability and acceptance of snus, a moist, smokeless tobacco product. In December 2024, the Swedish Parliament formally adopted harm reduction as a public health policy, emphasizing that 'tobacco policy must consider the varying harmful effects of different products' and that 'cigarettes pose a greater health hazard than smokeless nicotine.'

The Role of Snus in Public Health

The availability of snus as an alternative to combustible cigarettes has been linked to significant public health benefits in Sweden. Studies indicate that Swedish men have 61% lower rates of lung cancer compared to the EU average, and overall cancer deaths are approximately one-third lower. Experts estimate that Sweden's harm reduction strategy, particularly the shift to snus, saves around 3,000 to 4,000 lives annually.

Snus is manufactured to deliver lower concentrations of some harmful chemicals than other tobacco products, though it still delivers high doses of nicotine and is dependence-forming. While it does not appear to cause cancer or respiratory diseases, it may cause a slight increase in cardiovascular risks and is likely harmful to the unborn fetus, though these risks are considered lower than those associated with smoking.

EU's Stance and the Ongoing Debate

Despite Sweden's demonstrated success, the sale of snus remains prohibited across the rest of the European Union. The ban was first implemented in 1992, with Sweden receiving a special exemption when it joined the EU in 1995, recognizing snus as a traditional product. The EU's Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and its subsequent revisions, including TPD2, have consistently reaffirmed this ban, citing snus' addictive nature and potential adverse health effects.

However, the debate surrounding snus and its potential role in tobacco harm reduction continues within the EU, especially as the European Commission evaluates its legislative framework on tobacco control, known as TPD3. Advocates for lifting the ban argue that the EU's position is often driven by political rather than scientific considerations, overlooking evidence that snus is a less harmful alternative to smoking.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While Sweden champions its model, some public health experts express concerns. Recent data from Sweden indicates an increase in snus use among young people and women, with daily use among women aged 16-29 rising from 3% in 2018 to 18% in 2024. There are also observations that total tobacco and nicotine use is increasing in Sweden, and that individuals using e-cigarettes or snus may be more likely to start smoking over time. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also maintained a stance against alternative nicotine products like snus and vaping, despite harm reduction being part of its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

As the EU considers its future tobacco policies, Sweden's experience presents a compelling case for harm reduction. The discussion on October 11, 2025, underscores the ongoing tension between traditional tobacco control measures and innovative harm reduction strategies, with significant implications for public health across the continent.