Prevalence of tobacco use

Although Greece is one among 11 EU countries where the number of smokers has significantly decreased in recent years, more than one in three still indulge in the habit despite the outdated "fashion" of cigarettes and the proven health risks, consuming on average more cigarettes on a daily basis than other Europeans.

A recent UN report on the health behaviors of school-age children has unveiled concerning trends regarding alcohol and cigarette consumption among Bulgarian students, sparking widespread concern.

Greece could have prevented almost 170,000 deaths between 2000 and 2019 if it had followed Sweden's example in combating smoking, according to the findings of the report Saving Lives Like Sweden, signed by leading experts in smoking harm reduction from around the world. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted  turn to the fight against smoking - the number of male smokers is decreasing for the first time worldwide and is on the turn, BTA reports.

So far, the WHO has noted a regular increase in male smokers since recording their numbers over the past 20 years.

A ban on smoking in 52 public parks and gardens, which is about 10% of green areas in the French capital, has been enforced in Paris, BTA reported. The mayoralty said that this decision would make Paris "an even more hospitable and breathtaking capital".