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 […]
