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| Smoke-free environments | |
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According to conservative estimates, over 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 Eurobarometer survey
 of March 2009 found 84% of EU citizens in favour
of smoke-free offices and other indoor workplaces, 77% in favour of smoke-free restaurants, and 61% supporting smoke-free bars and pubs.
Proposal for a Council Recommendation
On 30 June 2009, the European Commission adopted a proposal for
a Council Recommendation on smoke-free environments 
. The Recommendation calls on Member States to act in three main fronts:
- Adopt and implement laws to fully protect their citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke in enclosed public places, workplaces and public
transport as cited in Article 8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco control, within three years of the adoption of the Recommendation
- Enhance smoke-free laws with supporting measures such as protecting children, encouraging efforts to give up tobacco use
and pictorial warnings on tobacco packages.
- Strengthen cooperation at EU level by setting up a network of national focal points for tobacco control.
Press release
Commission calls for Smoke Free Europe by 2012
Question and Answers on the Commission Proposal on smoke-free environments
Detailed overview of Member States' smoke-free regulations (As of June 2009)
Graphical overview of Member States' smoke-free regulations (As of June 2009)
Impact Assessment
Impact Assessment Summary
Impact Assessment
Impact Assessment Annexes
Report supporting the Impact Assessment
Green Paper consultation
In order to launch a broad public consultation on the best way to promote smoke-free environments in the EU, the Commission adopted
on 30 January 2007
a Green
Paper "Towards a Europe free from tobacco smoke: policy
options at EU level"
The Commission was particularly interested in stakeholders' views on the scope of measures to tackle passive
smoking and the extent of EU involvement in promoting smoke-free environments.
The Commission received more than 300 contributions from
a wide range of stakeholders, including EU Institutions, Member States' authorities, the health sector, tobacco-related
organisations, the social partners and individuals."
The consultation showed a clear support for comprehensive smoke-free policies in all enclosed workplaces and public places
and for further EU action to promote smoke-free environments throughout the Member States.
This report summarizes the
main findings of the Green Paper consultation.
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