On November 28, the European Parliament rejected a proposed outdoor smoking ban, diverging from the European Commission’s tough stance on smoking.
The proposal, which aimed to create more smoke-free areas, was defeated with 378 votes against, 152 in favor, and 26 abstentions. Political groups including the European People’s Party (EPP), Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Renew Europe, and the Greens/EFA initially supported the Commission’s plan, but the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) added changes that gained traction with the EPP, causing a rift and pushing left-wing factions to withdraw support.
ECR’s Pietro Fiocchi criticized the outdoor smoking ban, calling it “a violation of individual freedom” and arguing that it overlooked scientific evidence. The Patriots for Europe group echoed this sentiment, asserting that the European Union shouldn’t dictate such policies, leaving them to individual countries.
The European Commission had aimed to treat e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products like regular cigarettes, despite these alternatives helping many quit smoking. The ban would extend to outdoor spaces such as terraces, transport stations, balconies, and even private cars. The Commission’s goal was to reduce cancer deaths and passive smoking, particularly in places where children gather. They plan to lower smoking rates to under 5% by 2040, with Sweden already nearing this target due to its popularity of snus, a tobacco product the Commission also seeks to ban.
Fiocchi called the negative stance on smoking alternatives “irrational,” especially considering the liberalization of cannabis in some political circles. EPP’s Peter Liese also argued that e-cigarettes should not be treated like traditional tobacco, as they can aid in quitting.
Opponents warned of economic fallout, claiming bars and restaurants could face losses. Following the vote, S&D’s Alessandra Moretti condemned the ECR amendments as “anti-scientific,” saying they blocked measures that could protect public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. Proponents of the ban cited the German Cancer Research Centre’s estimate that smoking-related illnesses cost Germany about €97 billion annually.
The European Council will soon vote on the Commission’s proposal, with a final decision expected in December. Though the guidelines would not be legally binding, they could provide a framework for member states to follow, as health policy remains under national jurisdiction.
