
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
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
Mobile Exhibit on Human Rights in Paris Introduces Civic Education to Busy Public Spaces
PARIS, France — 9 May 2026 — A mobile human rights exhibit in central Paris on 9 May engaged the public in learning about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its history.
Set in a prominent tent, the exhibit attracted passers-by. About 15
The Movement to Remove Britain’s Keir Starmer is Finally Gaining Momentum
The prime minister might hold his position for a month or two. If he doesn’t establish a timeline for departure, he may face challenges from two opponents: Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, w
UK Resignation Sparks Burnham Leadership Speculation in London 2026
The resignation arrives during a fragile political period in Britain wher
1971 Bangladesh Genocide Legally Defined: Urgent UN Recognition Needed
Kann die EU noch Industrie? Mit VDMA-Präsident Bertram Kawlath
Brussels Competitors Aim to Reign as City’s Top Dogs
It is one of the biggest rivalries in Belgian football and Brussels’ two football clubs are all set to again lock horns in, arguably, the country’s biggest game of the season.
RSC Anderlecht and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise will contest the Croky Cup Final on Thursday (14 May) at Stade Roi Baudouin, the national stadium.
The two clubs have a rich history although for one, Union, its success on th



Leave a Reply