Europe Must Bridge Science and Policy in the Fight Against Smoking and Illicit Tobacco. Ignoring data in this field is a crime — lives and public health are at stake
The Institute for Rational Addiction Policies hosted an expert seminar in Brno on the “Health Risks from Tobacco Use and the Challenges of the Illicit Market in the EU.” The event brought together representatives of European institutions, public health experts and market regulators to discuss the need for a science-based approach to tobacco regulation — one that replaces ideology, speculation and lobbying pressures from both the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries. Only an independent, evidence-driven approach can protect public health and curb the expansion of the illicit markets in tobacco and nicotine products.
Brno, 7 November 2025 - The Institute for Rational Addiction Policies hosted an expert seminar in Brno on the “Health Risks from Tobacco Use and the Challenges of the Illicit Market in the EU.” The event brought together representatives of European institutions, public health experts and market regulators to discuss the need for a science-based approach to tobacco regulation — one that replaces ideology, speculation and lobbying pressures from both the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries. Only an independent, evidence-driven approach can protect public health and curb the expansion of the illicit markets in tobacco and nicotine products.
“Discussions on tobacco are often distorted by ideology and by the unwillingness of governments to fund essential research. This seminar provided data, validation and concrete proposals on how scientific progress may be used to protect public health, prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths and avoidable diseases across Europe. At the same time, as a consequence of these flawed policies we deliberately overlook major security risks for EU Member States, with tens of billions of euros leaking out of the EU every year — a serious security risk, repeatedly highlighted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF),” emphasised Jindřich Vobořil, Chair of the Board of the Institute for Rational Drug Policies, who further added that “Europe should rest its addiction policy on scientific evidence, not on prejudice or the rhetoric of competing industries. Evidence-based risk reduction in the form of substitution, regardless of who the manufacturer is, saves lives and significantly reduces smoking rates, as demonstrated in the Czech Republic and previously in Sweden.”
During the seminar, participants presented a meta-analysis of biomarkers of exposure and harm (BoEP and BoH) summarising current scientific evidence on the harm-reduction potential of tobacco alternatives. The analysis confirmed measurable reductions in key biomarkers among users of smoke-free products compared to smokers of traditional cigarettes, while also stressing the need for caution when translating these data into public health practice.
Another highlight was the presentation of the HEATNU project, which introduces an innovative approach to evaluating the health impacts of tobacco and nicotine use. The project combines population surveys with long-term monitoring of individuals transitioning to smoke-free alternatives, using new digital biomarkers — such as acoustic cough analysis and heart rate variability measurements collected through smart devices. Its goal is to develop tools for personalised prevention and effective monitoring of health risks.
The final part of the seminar focused on illicit tobacco trade and the urgent need to strengthen enforcement at EU level. Experts from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), customs authorities and analytical institutions agree that the illicit tobacco market undermines public health, distorts legal trade, and costs Member States billions of euros each year. “It is essential that the European Parliament supports concrete measures against illicit tobacco. The seminar showed that only a coordinated approach among Member States, combined with innovative monitoring and prevention tools, can effectively protect citizens’ health and reinforce trust in a regulated market,” added MEP Ondřej Kolář.
Participants called on Members of the European Parliament to advocate for a balanced approach to tobacco regulation — one based on scientific evidence, health innovation, prevention and awareness of the security risks linked to the flow of illicit funds into organised crime and hostile states. According to the organisers, the combination of these three pillars — science, prevention and enforcement — offers the most effective means of reducing smoking rates, strengthening trust in regulation and mitigating the impact of the illicit market.
The seminar was held under the auspices of Members of the European Parliament and brought together experts from academia and NGOs working in public health.
About the Institute for Rational Addiction Policies
The Institute for Rational Addiction Policies is an independent policy platform advocating for science-based, socially responsible approaches to addiction and public health. Through research, analysis and expert dialogue, it promotes modern and effective public policies that deliver measurable results in prevention and health protection.
