Commission calls for smoke free Europe by 2012

The European Commission has adopted a proposal for a Council Recommendation calling on all member states to bring in laws to protect their citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke by 2012.

EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said: ''It is my firm belief that each and every European merits full protection from tobacco smoke. There is a wave of support from the general public and we will work with Member States to make this a reality. “

The Commission stresses that tobacco remains the largest single cause of premature death and disease in the European Union.

According to conservative estimates, 79,000 adults, including 19,000 non-smokers, died in the EU-25 in 2002 due to exposure to tobacco smoke at home (72,000) and in their workplace (7,300).

Currently, ten EU countries have comprehensive smoke-free laws in place.

UK and Ireland have the strictest smoke-free provisions with a complete ban on smoking in enclosed public places, on public transport and in workplaces. Bulgaria is due to follow suit in 2010.

A recent Eurobarometer poll suggests that popularity is mounting for smoke-free policies with 84% of Europeans supporting smoke-free offices and other indoor workplaces; 77% in favour of smoke-free restaurants, and 61% supporting smoke-free bars and pubs.