Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Yesterday, Sunday, May 31, marked the final day of European Cancer Week and World No Tobacco Day. This underscores that both the European Plan to Beat Cancer and the Safe Hearts Plan emphasize the importance of tobacco control as a key element in disease prevention efforts, combating cancer across Europe, and protecting the health of EU citizens. Our goal is clear: a tobacco- and nicotine-free generation by 2040. This year will be crucial for the EU's tobacco control policy and for the health of future generations. This was stated in a press release from the European Commission in Brussels, quoting Commissioner for Health Olivier Verheyli, who added: "The assessment report we published in April sent a very clear message: EU tobacco control regulations have contributed to a significant decrease in smoking and tobacco-related deaths across the EU. This is real progress. But while traditional smoking is declining, new tobacco and nicotine products are increasingly reaching a new generation. Adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 29 are the most vulnerable." More than half of nicotine patch users are under 40, and one in five 15- to 19-year-olds who consume tobacco and nicotine products have started using e-cigarettes regularly. Around one in ten young people aged 15 to 24 have already used heated tobacco products.

Although these products may seem trendy, fashionable, or less harmful, the truth is clear: they pose a real risk of nicotine addiction. Young people are the most vulnerable to these new trends and face serious health risks. If our laws do not keep pace with the rapid changes in the market, Europe risks creating a new generation susceptible to a new form of nicotine addiction.

In May, we published a call for evidence and a public consultation on revising the EU Tobacco Products Directive and the Tobacco Advertising Directive. We welcome all contributions that help us address the health consequences of tobacco across the EU. These contributions will inform the upcoming review of the legislative framework for tobacco control, which we aim to deliver by the end of this year. Revising the EU's tobacco control rules is vital to achieving a tobacco- and nicotine-free generation by 2040. We are strongly committed to turning this ambition into a reality and creating a healthier Europe for all.