Occasional smokers in Luxembourg doubled over the past year, new survey finds

The number of occasional smokers in Luxembourg has doubled within one year, according to the 2025 national survey released by the Health Department and the Cancer Foundation on Wednesday 27 May. Behind this statistical jump, vaping and nicotine products continue to gain strong popularity among young people.

Luxembourg had expected to see a decline in smoking. But beneath the surface of apparent improvement, a different picture is emerging: nicotine is simply taking new forms. E-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and shisha are growing rapidly, especially among younger users, to the point of reshaping the addiction landscape.

In total, nearly one third of the population, or 31%, now uses tobacco or nicotine. This marks an increase compared to 2024, when 23% of residents reported being smokers. However, this comparison requires qualification: the definition of a smoker changed this year to align with World Health Organisation criteria and to better capture occasional use.

The real shift is happening in occasional use, which has long been underestimated. It jumped from 8% to 15% in one year. Among 16 to 34 year olds, more than one in five young people smoke or use nicotine products from time to time. Even occasional use poses health risks, the study notes. Luxembourg finds itself in a complex situation where economic interests and public health intersect, as cigarette sales had risen by 26.4% year on year as of 30 September, generating total revenue of 684 million euros.

Among 16 to 24 year olds, the figures are striking. 27% smoke cigarettes, 24% use shisha, 23% vape, and 15% use nicotine pouches. Vaping is now established as a gateway to conventional tobacco: 38% of young smokers say they started with e-cigarettes before moving to traditional cigarettes. Nearly a quarter say they have increased their tobacco consumption since they began vaping.

The study also confirms that nicotine use starts at a very early age. The majority of users begin before age 18. Stress is the main trigger among young people, ahead of image or socialising with friends. Second hand smoke remains widespread. Indoors, 31% of non smokers still report exposure, down from 38% last year. Outdoors, exposure rises to 72%, especially on terraces or at bus stops.

Nicotine pouches are now subject to a size cap, banned in places frequented by young people, and must not contain additives such as caffeine or CBD. Heated tobacco products are now subject to the same rules as conventional cigarettes. Nevertheless, the desire to quit remains strong. More than one in two young smokers wants to stop, even though this figure is down compared to 2024. But most still try to do so alone: 83% of smokers attempt to quit without medical support.