EU debates sweeping public smoking ban amid health concerns
The European Parliament is currently debating a ban on smoking in public places across the European Union. The proposed regulations would apply to both traditional cigarettes and novel products, as well as e-cigarettes. A decision may be reached in December.
The proposal, presented by the European Commission in September, aims to expand smoke-free zones.
Smoking ban in the EU: Here is the EC's proposal
The ban would cover areas where children and young people are present, such as playgrounds, swimming pools, and public transport stops.
Although most Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) support the ban, there are critical voices. "Fakt" reports that MEP Peter Liese emphasised that e-cigarettes can assist in quitting addiction and should not be treated the same as traditional cigarettes.
Opponents of the ban also fear negative economic consequences. They argue that prohibiting smoking in beer gardens or other outdoor dining areas could adversely affect the revenues of these sectors.
In contrast, supporters of the ban cite data from the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), indicating that in Germany alone, annual costs associated with illnesses and deaths due to smoking amount to about 97 billion euros (81 billion pounds).
Despite the debate, the introduction of the ban is not certain. Public health remains within the remit of member states, meaning that neither a recommendation nor a resolution obliges EU members to implement them.
700,000 deaths annually due to smoking
The European Commission (EC) highlights that each year, about 700,000 people in the EU die due to smoking, including many from passive smoking.
