Luxembourg had expected to see a decline in smoking. But behind the apparent improvement in the figures, a different reality is emerging: nicotine is simply taking on a new form. E-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, shisha… these new forms of consumption are growing rapidly, particularly among young people, to the point of completely reshaping the landscape of addiction.
The results of the 2025 national survey, released by the Health Department and the Cancer Foundation on Wednesday 27 May, show that 16% of residents aged 16 and over smoke daily and 15% smoke occasionally. In total, nearly a third of the population (31%) now uses tobacco or nicotine. This represents an increase compared with 2024, when 23% of residents reported being smokers. However, this comparison needs to be qualified: the definition of a ‘smoker’ has changed this year to bring it into line with WHO (World Health Organisation) criteria and to better reflect occasional smokers.
The real shift is taking place precisely in this area of occasional use, which has long been downplayed. It has jumped from 8% to 15% in the space of a year. Among 16–34-year-olds, more than one in five young people smoke or use nicotine products from time to time. Even when occasional, this use “poses health risks”, the study points out. The Grand Duchy is, moreover, in a complex situation where economic interests and public health are intertwined, since cigarette sales had risen by 26.4% year-on-year as at 30 September, generating total revenue of €684m.
Tighter legislation
Among 16–24-year-olds, the figures are staggering. 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 on to traditional cigarettes. And nearly a quarter say they have increased their tobacco consumption since they started vaping.
The study also confirms that people start using nicotine at a very early age. The majority of users begin before the age of 18. Stress is even the main trigger among young people, ahead of the ‘cool’ image or socialising with friends. Second-hand smoke remains widespread. Indoors, 31% of non-smokers still report being exposed to it, compared with 38% last year. Outdoors, however, exposure rises to 72%, particularly on terraces or at bus stops.
In response to this rise in new nicotine products, Luxembourg has tightened its legislation since January 2026. Nicotine pouches are now subject to a cap on size, 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, there remains a very real desire to quit. More than one in two young smokers wants to stop, even though this figure is down compared to 2024. But most are still trying to do so on their own: 83% of smokers attempt to quit without medical support.
