Protecting people from second-hand smoke and aerosols
Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke is a recognised cause of death, disease and disability. Smoke-free environments are therefore an important component of European tobacco-control and disease-prevention policy.
The European Union does not impose a single harmonised smoke-free law covering every public and private setting. Regulation of smoking in individual places remains principally a matter for the Member States.
At EU level, the Council provides a common policy framework that encourages Member States to establish effective protection and progressively strengthen national smoke-free measures.
From smoke-free to smoke- and aerosol-free environments
The original Council Recommendation 2009/C 296/02 focused principally on protection from environmental tobacco smoke in indoor workplaces, enclosed public places and public transport.
On 3 December 2024, the Council adopted a new Recommendation on Smoke- and Aerosol-Free Environments (C/2024/7425), replacing the 2009 Recommendation.
The revised framework reflects major changes in the tobacco and nicotine market. Protection is no longer framed only around smoke from conventional tobacco products.
The Recommendation also addresses second-hand emissions from heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes — including nicotine-free products — tobacco surrogates and other products emitting smoke or aerosols.
Particular protection for children and young people
A central purpose of the revised Recommendation is to strengthen protection for children, young people and vulnerable groups.
It also seeks to contribute to the denormalisation of tobacco and emerging nicotine-product use and to the prevention of nicotine addiction.
