A recent nationwide survey has found that four in ten Dutch adults aged 18 to 24 now either smoke or vape, casting doubt on the government’s ambition to make the Netherlands smoke-free by 2040. The study, conducted by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), highlights a surge in e-cigarette use among young people even as traditional cigarette smoking declines.
Survey Reveals Persistent Nicotine Use
Of the 2,000 respondents surveyed this spring, 22% reported smoking cigarettes and 26% said they vaped regularly. Combined, the figures show that 40% of young adults in the Netherlands continue to consume nicotine in one form or another. While smoking rates have edged down by 3 percentage points since 2023, vaping has climbed by 5 points over the same period.
Targets for 2040 Slip Further Out of Reach
The Dutch government’s “Smoke-Free Generation 2040” strategy aims to reduce smoking prevalence among adults to below 5% and to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2009. But rising e-cigarette uptake among 18- to 24-year-olds suggests that nicotine addiction is simply shifting platforms rather than disappearing.
Policy Options on the Table
- Banning flavorings: Preventing the sale of fruit- and candy-flavoured e-liquids that appeal to younger users.
- Raising the legal age: Increasing the minimum purchase age for all nicotine products from 18 to 21.
- Higher taxes: Aligning e-cigarette taxes with those on combustible tobacco to reduce cost incentives.
- Public education: Expanding school-based prevention campaigns to include vaping risks.
Health Experts Raise Alarm
“We’re seeing a new generation becoming addicted to nicotine through e-cigarettes,” said Dr. Marieke Van Dijk of the Dutch Heart Foundation. “The long-term health effects of vaping remain uncertain, but early studies link it to respiratory problems and cardiovascular stress.” Advocates warn that without stronger measures, vaping could serve as a gateway back to smoking for many young users.
Government Response and Next Steps
The Ministry of Health acknowledges the challenge and plans to present new regulations before the end of the year. Proposed legislation will target marketing practices and restrict online sales to curb under-age access. Until then, public health organizations are calling on parents and educators to talk openly about the risks of all nicotine products.
With eight years left to meet the 2040 goal, experts say the clock is ticking—and success will depend on whether policymakers can outpace the rapid growth of vaping among Dutch youth.