euronews.com
EU Health Ministers Approve Stricter Tobacco Restrictions Despite Parliament Rejection
EU health ministers endorsed stricter tobacco and aerosol restrictions, expanding smoke-free zones to outdoor areas and novel products, despite Parliament's rejection; aiming to reduce 700,000 annual tobacco-related deaths and achieve a "tobacco-free generation" by 2040.
English
United States
European CommissionWorld Health OrganizationEuropean ParliamentEuropean People's Party (Epp)Socialists And Democrats (S&D)Renew EuropeGreens/EfaEuropean Conservatives And Reformists (Ecr)
Olivér VárhelyiFrank Vandenbroucke
- How do the new recommendations align with the EU's broader Beating Cancer Plan, and what are the specific measures to reduce tobacco use and protect children?
- The approval builds upon the EU's Beating Cancer Plan, targeting a 30% reduction in tobacco use by 2025 and a 5% smoker rate by 2040. The new guidelines, while not legally binding, offer a framework for member states to implement stricter regulations on smoking in public spaces, including playgrounds, schools, and workplaces, to protect children and reduce overall tobacco consumption.
- What are the key implications of the EU health ministers' endorsement of stricter tobacco and aerosol restrictions, considering the Parliament's previous rejection?
- EU health ministers approved new tobacco and aerosol restrictions, expanding smoke-free zones to encompass outdoor areas and novel products like vapes, despite the Parliament's rejection last week. This decision aims to reduce tobacco-related deaths, currently at 700,000 annually in the EU, by promoting healthier environments and reducing exposure to second-hand smoke.
- What are the potential challenges and obstacles to implementing these recommendations effectively, considering the political landscape and the tobacco industry's influence?
- While welcomed by some, the decision faces challenges. The delayed Tobacco Taxation Directive, scheduled for 2025, raises concerns about potential industry influence and the effectiveness of achieving the plan's ambitious goals. Furthermore, the Parliament's prior rejection highlights the political hurdles in implementing comprehensive tobacco control measures.