ESMO Calls for Improved Cancer Prevention in the EU Through Stricter Tobacco Policy
ESMO is continuing its efforts to combat the tobacco epidemic and achieve the ambitious goal of a Tobacco-Free Generation, as outlined in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP).
Ahead of the European Parliament‘s hearing to approve Commissioner Designate, Olivér Várhelyi, ESMO, alongside several health organizations, published a joint statement urging the European Union to strengthen its tobacco control measures and take decisive action against the cancer risk posed by tobacco use.
The joint statement supports the European Commission’s proposal on the Council Recommendation for Smoke-Free Environments and calls for a timely update and review of key legislation, including the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD), and Tobacco Advertising Directive (TAD), as well as full implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
With evidence emerging that new products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products pose serious health risks, and of the rapid increase of vaping amongst adults who had previously never smoked, the EU must react to these societal changes by expediting its delayed revision of the EU’s tobacco legislation to ensure the achievement of the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan’s objective to create a ‘Tobacco- Free Generation’ by 2040, where less than 5% of the population uses tobacco.” – said ESMO’s Director of Public Policy, Prof Jean-Yves Blay
ESMO has also sent a letter to the Permanent Representations of EU member states, urging them to ensure the adoption of the Council Recommendations scheduled for early December 2024. The letter praises the recent release of these recommendations, noting their expanded scope, which now includes electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and heated tobacco products (HTPs), as well as extending smoke-free policies to important outdoor areas. This is seen as a positive step toward achieving the goal of a Tobacco-Free Generation by 2040, where less than 5% of the population uses tobacco, as outlined in the EBCP.
ESMO remains dedicated to collaborating with the EU and national governments to implement comprehensive tobacco control measures that will help prevent cancer, both during the upcoming EU mandate and in the future.
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