Dear friends, ENSP members and collaborators,
It is with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility that I assume the duties of President of ENSP at this time, and I would like to thank you all for your trust.
The current European environment is undeniably demanding and offers limited support for the financial sustainability of our organization. Nevertheless, ENSP, with its 28-year history in the field of tobacco control, continues its steady and dedicated work to address the greatest epidemic of all time, always guided by the principles of the World Health Organization and the directives of the European Union.
The international community expects us to provide ideas, proposals, and actions aimed at reducing the use of tobacco products, while the societies of EU member states have become increasingly aware of the problem, yet still struggle to manage it effectively.
The target of reducing smoking prevalence to below 5% by 2040 was first introduced by ENSP at our General Assembly in 2011, and it has remained a fundamental element of Article 3 in our current statutes. This objective is now officially endorsed by the European Union (following the European Commission’s decision of February 3, 2021), and our shared dedication to its achievement will continue with steadfast determination.
Our actions will be structured to engage European citizens directly, with a strong focus on tobacco and nicotine use, cessation and prevention. A particular priority will be to protect the new generations and to counter the organized and targeted promotion of certain tobacco and nicotine products to pre-adolescent and adolescent children.
Through the strategic use of flavors, colors, aromas, and designs clearly appealing to those aged 10 to 15, specific actors within the tobacco industry are creating hundreds of thousands of nicotine-addicted young people, individuals who are likely to remain lifelong users of tobacco products. This represents a profoundly serious public health challenge, one in which ENSP continues to play a leading role.
Alongside our essential work on regulatory measures, we will intensify efforts to develop communication programmes that deliver our messages directly to European citizens, motivating them to take an active role in reducing tobacco and nicotine use, with particular emphasis on addressing the growing issue of electronic cigarette consumption among children.
Public awareness of smoking risks is no longer enough. We must engage and empower citizens to take meaningful action.
A key pillar of our strategy will be the education of educators and parents. Only by strengthening these key groups can we effectively protect and ultimately reach the child.
The road ahead will undoubtedly present challenges. Yet when the goal is clearly defined and the approach firmly grounded in scientific evidence, the outcome can only be positive. Together, we will achieve our goals. I remain optimistic that, with the valuable support of the Members of the Board namely Danielle van Kalmthout, Raquel Fernandez Megina, Maria Sofia Cattaruzza, Loïc Josseran, Luke Clancy and Helen Stjerna, our Secretary General Cornel Radu-Loghin, and our Scientific Director Charis Girvalaki, we will successfully advance the mission and vision of ENSP.
Panagiotis Behrakis MD, PhD(McGiLL), FCCP
Pulmonologist, Intensivist, Athens Med. Center
Former Associate Professor of Athens and Harvard University
Researcher, Biomedical Research Foundation of Athens Academy
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