According to the official website of the European Union, on September 17, as part of its efforts to combat second-hand smoke, the EU is calling on member states to ban smoking and e-cigarette use in many outdoor areas such as playgrounds, swimming pools, and restaurant terraces.
The European Commission has stated in a non-binding recommendation that expanding smoke-free environment policies would better protect public health, especially the health of children.
The committee urges the 27 member states of the EU to expand existing restrictions on tobacco products to include e-cigarettes and other new tobacco products such as heated tobacco.
European Union Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides stated,
These products are increasingly being exposed to very young users. We have a responsibility to protect our citizens, especially children and young people, from the harmful effects of smoke and emissions.
The committee stated that bus stations, zoos, rooftop bars, and coffee shop terraces are among the places where all smoking should be prohibited. As part of its "anti-cancer plan," the EU aims to reduce the current smoking population as a percentage of the total population from around 25% to below 5% by 2040.
However, health policies are the prerogative of member states, which means the commission can only invite member states to implement its recommendations according to their own circumstances.
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