EU Council calls for stricter measures against outdoor smoking

In a significant move against passive smoking, the European member states, including Belgium, voted on February 12, 2024, in Brussels, for recommendations aimed at developing smoke-free zones across the European Union. This vote is part of a broader initiative by the European Commission to enhance the fight against smoking, as 24 percent of Europeans currently smoke. While the recommendations are not legally binding, they indicate a potential shift in policy among the member states concerning tobacco use in public areas, particularly outdoor spaces of hospitality establishments. Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke expressed satisfaction with the new recommendations, emphasizing the need for better protection from tobacco exposure in settings like restaurant terraces. The recommendations to extend protection against smoking in outdoor areas, such as restaurants, bars, playgrounds, and beaches, are particularly notable. This aspect of the recommendations is seen as a crucial step toward acknowledging the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, especially for vulnerable populations, including children and young people. The push for these measures emerges against the backdrop of a wider European health crisis, with tobacco consumption leading to nearly 700,000 deaths annually in the EU and a significant percentage of smokers starting at a young age. However, not all member states agree with these recommendations. Italy and Romania have expressed objections, criticizing their partners for what they perceive as hasty action without sufficient impact assessments. They argue that the recommendations could lead to confusion and do not impose any legal obligations on member states to amend their national legislation. This dissent from Italy and Romania highlights the sensitivities surrounding the issue of smoking in public places and suggests a possible divide among member states regarding the approach to tobacco regulation. The recommendations also encompass e-cigarettes, treating them equally to traditional cigarettes and encouraging member states to further restrict their use. The Council's actions represent a growing consensus on the need to confront the health risks posed by both traditional smoking and emerging nicotine products, signaling a potential shift in how public health policy could evolve across Europe. The Minister of Health of Hungary, Peter Takacs, underscored that while the recommendations encourage member states to take action, the ultimate decision-making power lies with each country, thus maintaining the principle of national sovereignty over health policies.