Brussels, 28 May 2025 – As World No Tobacco Day approaches on 31 May, the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA) is shedding light on the growing evidence that the majority of e-cigarette users in Europe are former smokers. This highlights the crucial role that vaping can play in reducing the harm caused by tobacco use and supporting smokers in their journey towards quitting.
According to the Special Eurobarometer survey, only 3% of current e-cigarette users in the EU have never smoked before. This is further supported by a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology in 2023, which found that only 0.4% of never smokers across 12 EU countries have ever tried an e-cigarette. These findings confirm that vaping is primarily used as a tool by adult smokers seeking alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
The health benefits of switching from combustible cigarettes to e-cigarettes are significant. A recent Cochrane review found that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) in helping individuals quit smoking. For every 100 people using nicotine e-cigarettes to stop smoking, 8 to 10 may successfully quit, compared to only 6 of 100 using NRTs.
Dr. Nicola Lindson, University Research Lecturer at the University of Oxford and Managing Editor of the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group, emphasized the importance of e-cigarettes in reducing harm: “E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco; and as such they do not expose users to the same complex mix of chemicals that cause diseases in people smoking conventional cigarettes. E-cigarettes are not risk-free, and shouldn’t be used by people who don’t smoke or aren’t at risk of smoking. However, evidence shows that nicotine e-cigarettes carry only a small fraction of the risk of smoking.”
Despite the evidence, public perception often misrepresents the relative risks of vaping. A study conducted in six European countries, involving individuals who had smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and smoked at least monthly, found that 62% perceived e-cigarettes as equally or more harmful than cigarettes, while only 28% perceived them as less harmful.
This widespread misperception persists despite the scientific consensus that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking. In fact, Public Health England has concluded that e-cigarettes are at least 95% less harmful than combustible tobacco products, a finding supported by multiple independent reviews conducted since 2015.
IEVA urges policymakers to recognize the potential of e-cigarettes in reducing smoking rates across Europe. By providing accurate information and integrating vaping into public health strategies, governments can empower smokers to make informed choices that could lead to significant health improvements.
Dustin Dahlmann, President of IEVA, stated, “Millions of smokers in Europe deserve to know that switching to vaping can significantly reduce their health risks. Policymakers have a responsibility to communicate this harm reduction potential clearly and objectively.”
About IEVA
The Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA) is the only pan-European association aimed at uniting national associations, companies, manufacturers and wholesalers in the vaping industry and providing them with responsible representation at the European level. IEVA’s founding principle is to contribute to harm reduction and public health. E-cigarettes have a significant positive impact and should be recognized as a harm reduction tool because vaping is not smoking.
Press contact:
Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA)
President: Dustin Dahlmann
Press coordinator: Philip Drögemüller
Phone: +32 (2) 791 7759
E-Mail: p.droegemueller@eurovape.eu
Web: www.eurovape.eu
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.