European health organisations urge EU Member States to support the EU Commission’s proposal for smoke- and aerosol-free environments 


Tobacco consumption remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease in the EU, linked to cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory conditions, with second-hand smoke and novel products posing additional risks. These emerging products often act as gateways to tobacco use and exacerbate harm when used alongside traditional products. To achieve the “tobacco-free generation by 2040” under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, expanding smoke-free policies to include outdoor spaces and novel products is crucial.

The European Parliament’s failure to reach consensus on 28 November highlights significant challenges in advancing measures to protect public health. Despite overwhelming public support—over 80% of EU citizens favor smoke- and aerosol-free environments—the resolution was derailed by the influence of the tobacco and vaping industries.

This joint statement underscores the need for the Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs Council to step up and adopt Recommendations 2024/0230, expanding protections against second-hand smoke and novel product exposure. By doing so, the EU can reaffirm its commitment to a tobacco-free generation and move closer to safeguarding public health and sustainability.

Cornel Radu Loghin, ENSP Secretary General:

“The adoption of the recommendations is a critical opportunity for the EU to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the health of its citizens. It reflects the EU’s responsibility under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) — the only global public health treaty — to protect present and future generations from the devastating consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke. Failing to adopt these recommendations, however, could undermine the credibility of the EU’s health policies, reinforcing the perception that they are heavily influenced by the tobacco and vaping industries. Adoption of these measures is not just a matter of compliance with international obligations but a test of the EU’s resolve to act decisively in the interest of public health over commercial pressures from the tobacco and vaping industries.”
European health organisations urge EU Member States to support the EU Commission’s proposal for smoke- and aerosol-free environments 

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