
Brussels – The European Council recommends improved protection against second-hand smoke and aerosols.
The EU Council has assumed a recommendation that will assist reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols and attain a tobacco-free generation in Europe by 2040 as outlined in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
According to the EU Council, the recommendation on smoke and aerosol-free environments enables EU countries to widen the scope of their existing protection against second-hand smoke exposure to include crucial outdoor areas like playgrounds and restaurant decks. The new steps will also apply to emerging tobacco and affiliated products such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
In his remarks, Péter Takács, Hungarian Secretary of State for Health said: “The fight against non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, is a priority for the Hungarian presidency. Today’s recommendation will help prevent such diseases by reducing the likelihood of exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols, particularly among children and young people.”
How will the new measures counter emerging tobacco products?
Since the adoption of the last EU Council recommendation on smoke-free places in 2009, many new tobacco and affiliated products have been designed, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and agitated herbal products. Their emissions may be inhaled by onlookers, exposing them to potentially dangerous levels of toxicants, contaminants, and other air contaminants.
The proposal adopted develops the provisions of the 2009 recommendation for aerosol-emitting products. To deliver effective protection, EU countries will be encouraged to additionally restrict the use of these products in particular public spaces, public transport as well as in the workplace.
Moreover, the new recommendation also identifies the prevalence and potential toxic effects, particularly to children and young individuals, of second-hand orientation to smoke and aerosols in outdoor spaces. These areas include restaurant terraces, gardens, beaches and public transport. The EU Council thus recommends that EU countries extend safety from second-hand smoke and aerosols to include a wider range of places.
Comments
2 responses to “EU Council Advocates Strengthened Smoke-Free Workplace Rules”
-
Oh, fantastic! Just what we need—more rules to make our outdoor cafés feel like a sterile hospital waiting room. 🍷💨 Who knew fresh air could come with a side of bureaucracy?
-
Oh, fantastic! Just what we needed—more regulations to stop us from enjoying our “smoke breaks” in peace. 🍃 Because nothing screams ‘freedom’ quite like a tobacco-free generation by 2040! 🤨
Last News
Dua Lipa Sues Samsung for $15 Million Over Alleged TV Ad Image Use, London 2026
The dispute has quickly become one of the entertainment industry’s most discu
The Importance of the Care Economy in Europe Today
For too long, care has been see
Poland Rushes to Act After Pentagon Abandons Troop Deployment Plan
"Silence Is Complicity": European Civil Society and UN Voices Demand Sanctions on Israel and End to EU Complicity
Three Decades, Millions Invested, No Overthrow: The Scientology Story Tagesschau Ignored
On 15 May 2026, Tagesschau reported that Germany’s domestic intelligence service, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, had ended the planned federal observation of Scientology after almost three decades. That should have
Merz’ Pekinger Spagat – wer spricht für Deutschland in China
EU Faces Criticism for Hosting Taliban Officials in Brussels for Afghan Deportation Discussions
The European Commission is facing growing criticism after confirming plans to invite Taliban representatives to Brussels for sensitive talks on the deportation and return of Afghanistan migrants from Europe. The move, coordinated with Sweden, has reignited debate over the EU’s engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers despite ongoing international condemnation of the Taliban’s human rights a
European Ombudsman Complaints Guide
The European Ombudsman is not a court, and that di
Draghi: Europe is ‘truly alone together’ in the age of Trump
Draghi, a former Italian prime minister, re-emerged in the EU’s political arena after unveiling a plan in 2024 to reverse th
Airline CEO Expresses Optimism Amid Aviation Concerns Due to Middle East Conflict
The head of a major airline has called for a “clear resolution” to hostilities in the Middle East.
The call from Emirates comes amid continuing economic and political uncertainty caused by the bitter conflict between the U.S and Iran.
The war has impacted badly on global air travel with fears of shortages of aviation fuel in the coming weeks.
But Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and



Leave a Reply