Brussels proposes smoking ban in parks and public spaces
- The European Commission has called for extending smoking bans to outdoor areas like terraces, playgrounds, and bus stops.
- Spain's Minister of Health supports this initiative and is working on legislative reforms to create more smoke-free zones.
- The push for these measures is driven by the need to protect citizens from the dangers of secondhand smoke and to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2040.
On Tuesday, the European Commission urged member states to broaden smoking bans to outdoor areas where non-smokers, particularly children, are at risk from secondhand smoke. This includes places like terraces, playgrounds, pools, and bus stops. Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides emphasized the importance of protecting citizens from harmful emissions and highlighted the goal of achieving a tobacco-free generation by 2040. The recommendation, while not mandatory, encourages countries to adapt their health policies accordingly. In response, Spain's Minister of Health, Mónica García, expressed support for the Commission's initiative. She noted that Spain is already in the process of legislative reform aimed at increasing smoke-free zones. The country has initiated a Tobacco Prevention Plan, which aligns with the European Commission's call for more comprehensive anti-tobacco measures that encompass outdoor spaces. The European Commission's data reveals that approximately 700,000 individuals die annually in EU countries due to tobacco-related illnesses, with many more affected by secondhand smoke. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of implementing stricter smoking regulations to safeguard public health. As member states consider these recommendations, the focus remains on balancing individual freedoms with the need to protect public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. The ongoing discussions and legislative efforts reflect a growing commitment to reducing tobacco consumption and its associated health risks across Europe.