The European Commission has recommended that member states extend smoking bans to outdoor areas, including for electronic cigarettes and nicotine-free products. The proposal aims to create smoke- and aerosol-free environments to reduce the risks posed by tobacco and emerging products. Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides emphasized the importance of preventing diseases by addressing primary risk factors such as tobacco use. The revised Recommendation seeks to improve public health by reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols, potentially decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with smoking. The guidelines include banning smoking in various outdoor venues, such as service establishments, public transport hubs, workplaces, hospitals, care homes, and recreational areas where children are present. The Commission’s proposal is part of the Beating Cancer Plan, which aims to achieve a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040. While the guidelines are not legally binding, they provide a framework for member states to follow in efforts to reduce tobacco-related cancer. The Commission emphasizes that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke and stresses the importance of creating smoke-free environments to protect public health. The recommendations build on previous efforts to reduce exposure to tobacco and aerosols, with the Commission noting a decrease in exposure in the early years of implementation.
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European Union urges for stronger actions to achieve a generation free from tobacco
