EuroHealthNet contributes to the updated Council Recommendation on Smoke-free Environments

EU legislative tobacco control policies and initiatives have contributed to a decline in the tobacco consumption at the general population level, but the progress has not been equal for all population groups. EuroHealthNet welcomes the European Commission’s consultation on the revision of the 2009 Council Recommendation on smoke-free environments to better protect EU citizens from exposure to second-hand smoke, as well as further encourage current smokers to quit. Indeed, there are bigger, quicker and more socially-just gains to be made, notably in the area of (digital) advertising and marketing, regulation of novel tobacco products and e-cigarettes, their content, taxation, and last but not least – extension of the smoke-free environments legislation.

The update has been brought about by the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, which calls for a creation of a ‘Tobacco-Free Generation’ of less than 5% of the population using tobacco by 2040 (compared to about 25% today). Reducing tobacco use among existing consumers and preventing its take up by young people, removing it out of the public space, accounting for vulnerabilities and inequalities are important objectives towards a Tobacco-Free Europe. This is particularly the case for the new generation of smokers (the youth, females) and those who are involuntarily exposed to second-hand smoke in and around schools, playgrounds and outdoor hospitality facilities (bars, restaurants, summer gardens) or public parks or beaches.

Find the full consultation response here.