EU calls for tougher measures to achieve a ‘tobacco free generation’

The European Commission recommends extending smoking bans to outdoor areas, including e-cigarettes and nicotine-free products, to reduce health risks. This proposal, part of the Beating Cancer Plan, aims to create smoke-free environments by targeting aerosols and tobacco exposure. Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides emphasizes prevention through lifestyle changes, highlighting the risks of tobacco use. The guidelines, not legally binding, cover public spaces and aim to reduce tobacco-related diseases. Implementation is expected to decrease second-hand smoke exposure and support smoking cessation efforts by 2025, contributing to a tobacco-free generation by 2040.