Smoking and vaping could soon be banned in outdoor spaces in EU countries if the latest European Commission proposal receives approval.
As part of ongoing efforts to better protect public health, especially children and young people from second-hand smoke, the Commission proposal recommends that EU states extend smoke-free environment policies to outdoor areas, including playgrounds, amusement parks, swimming pools, transport stops and stations, and spaces near healthcare and education facilities.
EU governments are encouraged to implement the recommendations through their own public health policies, “as they see fit, taking into account their national circumstances and needs”, said the Commission statement.
It is also calling on EU members to address the increasing use of heated tobacco products (HTPs) and electronic cigarettes citing World Health Organization (WHO) evidence that shows these pose significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, particularly for young people.
EU governments are also urged to exchange best practices and strengthen international cooperation to maximize the impact of the measures. In this direction, the Commission will release a 16-million-euro direct grant from its EU4Health program.
The action aligns with the EU’s goal to create a “Tobacco-Free Generation” by 2040, as outlined in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, which aims to reduce tobacco use to below 5% of the population.
