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
Scientology Introduces Youth Guide Advocating EU Values
Meet Antonia Romeo, Keir Starmer’s Super-Ambitious Pick to Reboot the British State
An enthusiast of SoulCycle, skiing, gam
Sudan: Rights Chief Alarmed After Drone Attacks Kill 57 in Two Days
“These recent killings highlight the severe impact on civilians due to the increasing use of drone warfare in Sudan,” he stated.
The attacks occurred between February 15 and 16 across four states in Sudan, where the national army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have
Meloni Criticizes Macron in Dispute Over French Far-Right Activist’s Death
Officials close to the Italian prime minister expressed surprise at Macron’s comments, emphasizing that Meloni’s statement aimed to show support for the French people affected by the event and did not inter
Lagarde Departure Speculation Sparks ECB Succession Rush
Speculation that Christine Lagarde may step down from the European Central Bank before her term concludes is fueling a new wave of political maneuvering in Brussels, as euro-area capitals position nominees and attempt to prevent a contentious battle over one of Europe’s crucial economic positions.
A Brussels rumor with euro-area impacts
On Thursday 19 February 2026, reports in European media sug
US Criticizes EU’s Plan to Reduce Dependence on American Gas
Wright claimed that European governments undermined their own energy security by limiting domestic oil and gas production while still relying on hydrocarbons. He stressed that U.S. exports are managed by private companies under contracts, not by the government for geopolitical reasons.
A day earlier, Wright had intensified
Global News Highlights: Madagascar Cyclone Response, Gaza Medical Evacuations, Honoring Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson
Government reports state that over 800 people have been injured, with nine still missing.
The cyclone has caused extensive damage, affecting more than 470,000 people, with over 35,000 displaced.
Combined with Tropical Cyclone Fytia’s impact, which hit on 31 January, the total affected by both cyclones is over 680,000.
UN Steps In
Fortunately, Cyclone Gezani is expected to slowly weaken i
UN Chief Warns Against AI’s Future Being Decided by ‘a Few Billionaires’
He called on countries, experts, and industry to contribute to the U.N. Independent International Scientific Panel on AI’s work.
Guterres praised the technology’s potential but cautioned that AI must be “safe for everyone.” He also emphasized the need to invest in
MBZ Hosts US Senator Lindsey Graham in Abu Dhabi: Strategic Dialogue and the Emirates’ Global Role
The discussions centered on strategic part
Polish Ruling Coalition Party Collapses
The crisis also led to a split in Polska 2050’s
Leave a Reply