European Union urges increased efforts to create a generation free from tobacco

The European Commission has recommended that member states extend smoking bans to outdoor areas, including for electronic cigarettes and nicotine-free products, as part of efforts to create smoke- and aerosol-free environments. Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides emphasized the importance of preventing diseases by addressing primary risk factors like tobacco use, citing the proposal’s potential to improve public health by reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols. The guidelines, part of the Commission’s Beating Cancer Plan, aim to achieve a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040 and reduce the EU population’s smoking rate to 5% by cutting tobacco use by 30% by 2025. While the guidelines are not legally binding, they provide a framework for member states to follow in curbing tobacco-related cancers. The proposal includes banning smoking in various outdoor venues, from public transport hubs to recreational areas where children are present, to protect individuals from second-hand smoke and to encourage smokers to quit. The Commission highlights that the initial implementation of similar regulations in 2009-2012 resulted in decreased exposure to tobacco-related harms. The expanded guidelines reflect concerns over the health risks posed by new tobacco products, including vapes, and aim to create safer environments for all individuals.

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