The prevalence of smoking is a major
public health concern in Europe, given the links between tobacco
consumption and a significant proportion of cancers, cardiovascular
and respiratory diseases. The number of smokers in the population
is high, at about a third of the Community population, and the
health impact is similarly significant, with about 500,000 smoking
related deaths per year in the Community. Smoking also has
established health effects on non-smokers, particularly on
vulnerable groups.
Ban on cross-border
tobacco advertising and sponsorship
