Lungs Europe supports the EU Commission’s proposal for smoke- and aerosol-free environments

2 December, 2024

Lungs Europe, a partnership between the European Respiratory Society and European Lung Foundation, has joined other European health organisations in supporting new measures that will lead the way to a tobacco-free generation and move Europe closer to a healthier, more sustainable future.

With tobacco consumption remaining a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in the European Union (EU), a new proposal – Recommendations 2024/0230 – would expand smoking bans to outdoor public spaces. Novel and emerging products, such as vapes, would also be included in the ban for the first time.

On 28 November, and despite overwhelming public support among EU citizens for smoke- and aerosol-free environments, the European Parliament was unable to reach a consensus, with 378 Members of the European Parliament voting against the proposed recommendations.

ERS and ELF, through Lungs Europe and alongside other signatories, now calls upon the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council to adopt Recommendations 2024/0230 and its revised scope of settings and products. As well as supporting the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan’s objective to attain a “tobacco-free generation by 2040”, adopting the recommendations would also improve public health, reduce healthcare costs, and protect the environment across Europe.

The council will vote on the recommendations on Tuesday 3 December, 2024.

Ahead of the vote, Prof. Filippos Filippidis, Chair of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee, said:

“Comprehensive smoke-free policies do work and help to reduce morbidity and mortality in the population. It is essential that these recommendations are adopted across the EU to ensure health for all.”

Dimitris Kontopidis, Chair of the European Lung Foundation (ELF), said:

“Smoke-free environments are important for protecting the health of everyone, especially those of us living with lung conditions who are more vulnerable to the harms of smoking and vaping. Supporting these recommendations would not only reduce immediate health risks but also help ensure that future generations are not exposed to these dangers. This is an important step in creating a healthier society for all and easing the strain on our healthcare systems.”

Read the joint statement: European health organisations urge EU Member States to support the EU Commission’s proposal for smoke- and aerosol-free environments.

Tobacco consumption remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and premature death in the EU. Learn more about ERS advocacy activities related to tobacco control.

Access information for patients about quitting smoking

The joint statement’s signatories are European Respiratory Society, European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention, European Association of Urology, World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition, European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology, European Heart Network, European Society of Cardiology, European Lung Foundation, Smoke-Free Partnership, European Kidney Health Alliance, European Federation of Allergy and Airways Disease Patients’ Associations, United European Gastroenterology, European Association for the Study of the Liver, and Lungs Europe.