Brussels – “Tobacco-free generation” goal of 2040 and more smoking-free spaces. Also for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices. These are the pillars of the revised EU guidelines regarding smoke-free environments, dated 2009, presented today (Sept. 17) by the European Commission.
Having a smoke-free generation is the main goal of the European Cancer Plan, lowering the percentage of users from about 25 per cent today down to five per cent. Today’s proposal is another step forward in efforts to improve preventive health care, with the goal of de-normalizing tobacco use.
The new initiative recommends that member states amplify policies for smoke-free environments “to major outdoor areas,” with the key aim of “protecting people in the EU better, especially children and young people.” Examples include areas where children may congregate, such as public and amusement parks, outdoor areas connected to educational or health facilities, public buildings, and transportation stops and stations.
The review is also related to the massive diffusion of new products, such as heated tobacco devices and electronic cigarettes, the consumption of which is greatly affecting young people. The effects, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), are just as harmful to health as “traditional” products, both for direct users and those exposed to secondhand smoke.
The current Council Recommendation on Smoke-Free Environments of 2009 contains guidance for member states to implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). It includes “traditional tobacco products, perceived as the main problem at the time, and some public spaces, covered on the basis of a case-by-case risk assessment.” It was therefore necessary to revise the text of the recommendation, which is now outdated with respect to the latest market developments and less effective in contributing to reducing tobacco use.
Tobacco is a highly harmful product and is the leading cause of cancers, as well as heart and respiratory problems. The “new tobacco” is no less. Through WHO studies, it has been shown that “exposure to secondhand emissions from heated tobacco products is associated with significant respiratory and cardiovascular abnormalities,” in addition to exposure to quantifiable levels of particulate and key toxic substances and contaminants.
The Commission, in 2022, for this purpose, adopted a ban on heated tobacco flavours and introduced mandatory labelling requirements with a view to de-normalizing tobacco consumption. Also under review is the legislative framework regarding tobacco control, including the Tobacco Products Directive, Tobacco Advertising Directive, and other related tobacco control policies across the EU. It is also important for the Commission to “encourage the exchange of best practices” among Member States to have ambitious and efficient programming.
Through the Eu4Health program, the Commission provides funding to support member states in implementing the recommended measures—including a direct grant of €16 million. The Commission will also support research in tobacco and nicotine control and addiction prevention under the Horizon program, with a total budget of over €80 million. To ensure better protection of youth and children, a kit of prevention tools will also be developed, focusing on the interrelationship between physical and mental health.
The increase in “smoking-free” spaces has already secured benefits that offset potential negative effects, such as loss of tax revenue, according to an evaluation and impact study of the Commission, which can also be used as a valid basis for the new revision (whose scope is only partially extended).
The EU’s action is intended to complement the state’s policies that are responsible for setting health policy. It will be up to the states to plan effective strategies and integrate the contribution proposed in the recommendation with the shared goal of “improving population health.”
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
