Malta's ban praised as EU launches anti-smoking drive

The EU's Health Commissioner commended Malta's anti-smoking regulations during the launch of an unprecedented EU-wide anti-smoking campaign in Brussels yesterday.

Markos Kyprianou said that all EU countries should follow the lead of Malta and ban smoking in public places.

Currently, only Malta, Italy and Ireland have bans on smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places. Other EU countries, including Scotland and Sweden, are in the process of introducing similar bans.

The commissioner said the EU strongly supports this move, which would contribute towards smoke-free public places.

Mr Kyprianou kicked off the campaign at the Rond-Point Schuman outside the European Commission's Berlaymont headquarters in Brussels by unveiling the campaign slogan Help: For A Life Without Tobacco on a giant inflatable structure which will tour all 25 EU capitals in the next four months.

The roadshow will be followed by a Help TV and cinema advertising campaign over the summer in all member states.

Mr Kyprianou said the sickness and death caused by smoking cost EU countries €100 billion a year. Prevention and information campaigns like Help were an investment in a healthier and more prosperous future for Europe's citizens.

As well as promoting tobacco-free lifestyles to young people, the campaign will also highlight the dangers of passive smoking and support the trend towards tobacco-free public places.

The European Commission has earmarked €72 million for the new campaign between now and 2008. Adolescents (15 -18-year-olds) and young adults (18 - 30-years olds) will be the main target groups.

Mr Kyprianou said that eight out of 10 smokers start in their teenage years. It is estimated that every year, 650,000 EU citizens die from tobacco-related disease.