MENA Newswire News Desk: In a bid to strengthen health protection, the European Commission has recommended the extension of smoke-free environment policies to key outdoor areas across the EU, targeting second-hand smoke and aerosols from tobacco products and e-cigarettes. The proposal, aimed at safeguarding children and young people, advises Member States to adopt stricter smoke-free regulations in spaces such as playgrounds, amusement parks, swimming pools, and other public recreational areas.
The Commission’s new initiative encourages the inclusion of heated tobacco products (HTPs) and electronic cigarettes in smoke-free policies, as these emerging products are increasingly consumed by younger users. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the health risks associated with second-hand exposure to emissions from these products, which can cause significant respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
In addition to urging stricter policies in public areas, the Commission is advocating for enhanced international cooperation among Member States to exchange best practices and reinforce tobacco control measures. Financial support will be provided to facilitate these efforts, with €16 million allocated from the EU4Health program and €80 million from the Horizon Europe program. The initiative also includes a toolkit for the prevention of addiction, particularly aimed at protecting children and young people’s health.
This new recommendation is part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, which aims to create a “Tobacco-Free Generation” by 2040, with less than 5% of the population using tobacco. Smoking remains the leading cause of cancer in the EU, responsible for over a quarter of cancer-related deaths. By expanding smoke-free environments, the Commission hopes to further reduce smoking-related illnesses and deaths.
While health policy remains a national competence, the Commission is inviting Member States to implement these recommendations based on their specific needs and circumstances. The hope is that by adopting these measures, EU countries will take another step forward in preventive healthcare, particularly in protecting the younger generation from harmful exposures.
The recommendations also emphasize the need for transparency in marketing claims related to emerging tobacco products, which are often advertised as safer alternatives or cessation tools. The Commission aims to combat misleading claims while reinforcing the importance of tobacco control in the EU’s broader health strategy. ith today’s recommendations, the European Commission continues its commitment to ensuring the health of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, remains at the heart of EU policy.