Ahead of the 2010 No Tobacco Day , the European Commission unveils the results of a Eurobarometer survey which shows that a strong majority of EU citizens support stronger tobacco control measures.  The Commission is planning to launch an open consultation shortly with a view to revising the 2001 Tobacco Products Directive and is stepping up its tobacco control efforts throughout the EU.

The Directive on manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products dates from 2001. It stipulates the maximum limits for e.g. nicotine and tar in cigarettes, obliges producers to use textual health warnings on cigarette packs and report on tobacco ingredients and bans using terms such as ‘light’.

The Commission is currently reviewing this Directive to provide a higher level of health protection and to update it to new developments as regards ingredients and national legislations. The Commission plans to put forward a revised proposed Directive in the second half of 2011.

Following the Council Recommendation of November 2009 on smoke free environments, the European Commission strongly supports Member States' work towards " A Smoke-free Europe by 2012". In this context, the Commission encourages all Member States to protect their citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke in enclosed public spaces, workplaces and public transport.

What do citizens think?

The Eurobarometer survey shows that European citizens favour stricter tobacco control measures. There is high public support for picture health warnings on tobacco packs (75% in favor), even though only four Member States currently use them.

Another Commission study shows that there is clear evidence that health warnings on tobacco packages are effective. They increase knowledge on the health consequences of tobacco use and help to change attitudes and behaviors towards tobacco consumption.

Background

Tobacco remains being the largest single cause of premature death and disease in the European Union. It causes more than 650,000 premature deaths in the EU each year – which corresponds to about 1,800 deaths a day. These deaths could be avoided.

Over the last 20 years, The Commission has pursued a comprehensive tobacco control policy aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. The objective is to maintain and strengthen tobacco control policy efforts through a range of mechanisms, activities and initiatives including tobacco control legislation and prevention and cessation activities. Furthermore, the Commission launched anti-smoking campaign HELP! 2.0 in May 2009, on the occasion of the celebration of World Day Against Snuff.