The proposal to increase the price of cigarettes, e-cigs and heated tobacco products by five euros is approaching the parliamentary goal.
Just over three months after the launch of the “5 euros against smoking” campaign, 40 thousand signatures have already been collected, equal to 80% of the 50 thousand needed to file a popular initiative law.
5 euros against smoking
The objective is to reduce the number of smokers by intervening directly on the cost of nicotine-based products, considered one of the most effective factors for discouraging consumption, especially among younger people.
The campaign is driven by renewed awareness of the harm of tobacco and changing habits: in four years the use of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco devices has almost doubled, going from 3.9% in 2021 to 7.4% in 2025.
The diffusion is highest among 18-34 year olds, where it reaches 16.5%, while it progressively decreases with age up to 1.4% among the over 65s. A figure which confirms how the new consumption methods are particularly rooted among the youngest.
According to the promoters of the anti-smoking campaign, these products are not replacing traditional smoking, but are alongside it, encouraging combined use.
The proposal: general increase of 5 euros
The aim is therefore to apply the basic rule of economics: higher prices should correspond to a decline in demand. In particular among the most cost-sensitive groups, including the very young who are particularly exposed to the harm of smoking.
Estimates indicate that an increase of five euros could lead to an overall reduction in consumption of 37%. An effect which, according to the promoters’ intentions, would translate into fewer smokers and a lightening of the load on healthcare facilities.
Impact on health and healthcare system
In Italy there are an estimated 10 million smokers and 93 thousand deaths linked to tobacco consumption every year. Smoking remains the main oncological risk factor, as well as being associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
The increased revenue deriving from the increase in prices would be allocated to financing the National Health Service, with a double effect: disincentive to consumption and economic support for the system.
Alternative smoking
One of the most critical points concerns the perception of electronic products. A report from the European Commission highlights that one in five young people starts using nicotine-based devices as an alternative to traditional cigarettes.
Combined use is also a concern. Recent studies published in Carcinogenesis by researchers at the University of New South Wales show that the association between traditional and electronic cigarettes quadruples the risk of lung cancer compared to traditional smoking alone.
A figure that also concerns the under 50s and which is indicated as one of the most complex challenges for public health in the coming years.
Towards Parliament
The collection of signatures is open to all adult citizens through the Ministry of Justice platform, with access via Spid, electronic identity card or national services card.
With the finish line now close, the proposal could soon be examined by Parliament.
For further information, please refer to the official website: 5eurocontroilfumo.it.
