Smokers in Cyprus consume more cigarettes per day than other Europeans, with the percentage of the smoking population standing at 32%.
Ahead of the 2010 No Tobacco Day on May 31, the European Commission has published the results of a Eurobarometer survey, which shows that a strong majority of EU citizens support stronger tobacco control measures. For example, three in every four Europeans support picture health warnings on tobacco packs and smoke free restaurants.
The survey also shows, however, that nearly one in every three Europeans still smokes, despite the fact that tobacco kills half of its users.
The Commission is planning to launch an open consultation shortly with a view to revising the 2001 Tobacco Products Directive and is stepping up its tobacco control efforts throughout the EU.
According to the survey, Cypriots smoke an average of 21.7 cigarettes per day, followed by Greeks with 21.4 per day. The average for the EU is 14 cigarettes per day.
The highest percentage of smokers was found in Greece, with 42% of the population smoking, compared to a 29% average in the EU.
In Cyprus, 49% of men and 17% of women asked said they smoked. In the EU, the average was 35% for men and 25% for women.
Regarding the age groups, in Cyprus 39% of persons aged 15 to 24 said they smoked, 40% aged 25 to 39, 31% aged 40 to 54 and 23% over the age of 55. The EU average was 35% aged 15 to 24, 37% aged 25 to 39, 35% aged 40 to 54, and 17% over the age of 55.
Furthermore, 22% of those asked in Cyprus said they have tried to stop smoking at least once during the past twelve months, compared to 15% average in the EU.
Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy John Dalli said ''tobacco kills 650,000 Europeans every year, and many lives could be saved from reducing tobacco consumption.''
''I am particularly concerned about smoking rates amongst young people. Europe cannot passively watch future generations smoke away their health,'' he added.
The Commissioner assured he was ''determined to do everything in my power to reduce tobacco consumption across Europe via the upcoming revision of existing legislation on tobacco products and consider measures that can contribute to a clear and effective set of rules to support Europeans' health.''
Tobacco is the single largest cause of avoidable death in the EU. It accounts for around 650,000 premature deaths each year in the EU.
