EU Council Advocates for Smoke-Free Outdoor Spaces

Vienna/Brussels – On Tuesday, the health ministers of the 27 European Union (EU) member states convened in Brussels and adopted recommendations aimed at promoting smoke-free environments. While these recommendations are non-binding, they generated significant discussion in Austria prior to the meeting. Austrian Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) referred to the pre-meeting speculations as “fake news.”

A qualified majority, comprising at least 15 countries that together represent 65% of the EU’s population, was required for the adoption of these recommendations. However, no official voting outcome was released. During the discussions, Germany and Greece announced their decision to abstain. Austria did not speak during the session, although Rauch defended the recommendations to the media ahead of the meeting.

Earlier in September, the European Commission proposed a recommendation urging EU countries to enforce smoking bans in areas frequented by children, such as playgrounds, swimming pools, schools, and outdoor dining spaces. The suggestions also included expanding smoke-free zones to encompass outdoor areas and alternative tobacco products, like electronic cigarettes, due to evidence that these can harm bystanders’ health.

Rauch: Austria has already taken significant steps

The implementation of these measures will be determined by each individual country. However, Rauch noted that discussions and consultations on the European level could facilitate opinion formation. He emphasized that Austria has already put many of the proposed measures into practice, particularly supporting a ban on smoking in children’s playgrounds. “This is essentially finalized and is currently with the ministry, but it is stalled because of resistance from the ÖVP (the conservative coalition partner of the Greens in Vienna),” remarked the Green politician.

The recommendations are part of the European Cancer Plan, which aims to cultivate a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040, targeting less than 5% of the population to still be using tobacco products. The European Commission is expected to review the implementation of these recommendations in five years, according to a statement from the Council. (12/03/2024)