The European Commission said on June 30 2009 that it had adopted, after extensive consultation, a proposal for a Council Recommendation calling on all member states to bring in laws to protect their citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke by 2012.

The EC said that tobacco remains the largest single cause of premature death and disease in the European Union. According to conservative estimates, 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 (7300).

EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said: "It is my firm belief that each and every European merits full protection from tobacco smoke. There is a wave of support from the general public and we will work with Member States to make this a reality".

Currently, 10 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 recent Eurobarometer poll suggests that popularity is mounting for smoke-free policies with 84 per cent of Europeans supporting smoke-free offices and other indoor workplaces; 77 per cent in favour of smoke-free restaurants, and 61 per cent supporting smoke-free bars and pubs.

The recommendation calls on EY 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 co-operation at EU level by setting up a network of national focal points for tobacco control.