Why is Sweden considered the European model for reducing smoking?
2026-06-09 10:15:30
TiranaPost
As the debate over smoking and smoke-free alternatives continues in many countries around the world, Sweden is increasingly attracting the attention of public health experts for one simple reason: it has achieved one of the lowest smoking rates in Europe.
This was one of the main topics discussed at Technovation Smoke-Free 2026, an international forum held in Stockholm, where researchers, public health professionals, industry representatives and health policy experts gathered to discuss the future of nicotine consumption and ways to reduce the harms associated with smoking.
What is immediately noticeable in the Swedish capital is the almost total absence of traditional cigarettes in public spaces. On the main streets, near cafes, transport stations or areas frequented by young people, it is difficult to see people smoking cigarettes. Instead, many adult users choose alternative products that do not involve burning tobacco.
This change did not happen by chance. For decades, Sweden has followed an approach that focuses not only on preventing smoking, but also on providing alternatives for those adult smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke traditional cigarettes.
According to experts present at the conference, one of the most important elements in this discussion is the difference between nicotine and cigarette smoke. Most of the diseases associated with smoking are caused by toxic substances that are created during the combustion process of tobacco and not by nicotine itself. For this reason, much scientific research has focused on developing products that eliminate combustion and, consequently, reduce exposure to harmful substances.
During the Technovation sessions, data and analysis were presented showing that Sweden has achieved better results than most European countries in reducing the number of smokers and in reducing several smoking-related diseases. This has led to the Swedish model being increasingly studied by international experts and institutions.
However, the debate remains open. The World Health Organization and many public health authorities continue to emphasize that nicotine products are not without risk and that the best form of health remains not to start or completely stop using any nicotine products. At the same time, a growing number of researchers argue that harm reduction strategies can play an important role for adult smokers who fail to quit.
For Albania, where smoking rates remain among the main public health challenges, the Swedish experience offers an interesting case study. The question many experts are asking today is not only how to prevent younger generations from starting to smoke, but also how to reduce the harm to the millions of adult smokers who continue to smoke.
As countries look for solutions to accelerate smoking reduction, Sweden is increasingly emerging as a real-world laboratory of policies and practices that can help understand what works. And for that very reason, its experience is being followed with interest by experts, researchers and policymakers around the world.
