The European Strategy "Stepping up the fight against cigarette smuggling and other forms of illicit trade in tobacco products" was set out in a Policy Communication issued by the European Commission in June 20131. Member States expressed their support via the Council Conclusions2 adopted in December 2013.

The estimated loss to the EU and national budgets from cigarette smuggling and other forms of illicit trade in tobacco products, is EUR 10 billion per year. The effect of this illegal activity is both damaging to public health and proven to finance organised crime. The tobacco black market also targets vulnerable groups in society, undermining strategies to dissuade the consumption of tobacco products. The 2013 Strategy was accompanied by an Action Plan3 including a targeted action4 on awareness raising emphasising the links between cigarette smuggling and organized crime.

Against this backdrop, this report brings together the findings of the Eurobarometer Survey on the "Public perception of illicit tobacco trade", which was conducted in the 28 Member States of the EU. The aim of the survey was to uncover and explore the attitudes and opinions of Europeans in regard to the following topics:
• Perceptions of the black market in cigarettes;
• Thoughts on the key revenue sources of organised crime groups;
• Opinions on the main reasons for smoking illicit cigarettes;

This survey was carried out by TNS Opinion & Social network in the 28 Member States of the European Union between 28 November and 7 December 2015. Some 27,672 respondents from different social and demographic groups were interviewed face-to-face at home and in their mother tongue. The survey was commissioned by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).