EU Health Commissioner David Byrne is bowing out on a high note, unveiling a new report on tobacco control and launching a set of 42 images which are to appear on cigarette packages as tough warnings against the dangers of smoking.
At a press conference in Brussels on 22 October, Commissioner Byrne launched the ASPECT report on EU tobacco control, the first comprehensive overview of the tobacco epidemic in the enlarged EU.
This report was produced by a consortium of experts which featured three EPHA members, the European Heart Network (EHN), the European Network for Smoking Prevention (ENSP) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS), [1] and includes:
latest evidence on the health effects of tobacco use and exposure
a history of EU policy on tobacco control
a review of the most effective policy interventions and what works in Europe
a chapter on effective tobacco product regulation
a chapter analysing industry efforts to block TC legislation and policies in Europe
40 recommendations for a comprehensive tobacco control strategy.
The report highlights the economic and public health cost to European society of tobacco and smoking. It also analyses the effectiveness of tobacco control initiatives and identifies how the tobacco industry has sought to undermine tobacco control policies at all levels. An executive summary of the report is also available.
Commissioner Byrne welcomed the ASPECT report recommendations.
He went on to say that he hopes these recommendations will contribute to the Commission’s policy on tobacco control in the future.
This was Byrne’s last press conference. He will now take up a new role as a special envoy for the WHO.
’Feel free to say no’ campaign
David Byrne presented the results of the EU-wide anti-smoking campaign to help combat smoking among young people launched on World No Tobacco Day 31 May 2002.
The campaign was implemented in the 15 EU Member States and the overall budget of the campaign was 18 million EUR for the period 2002-2004.
EU fight against tobacco continues with graphic picture warnings and 72 million EUR media campaign.
Picture Warnings
At the same press conference Commissioner Byrne unveiled new hard hitting pictures for cigarette packs.
A database of 42 images designed for use in combination with the health warnings introduced in 2003 was presented.
EU countries can decide whether or not to include these images on cigarettes packs to add impact.
The Commission expects picture warnings to be introduced in a number of countries next year, including Ireland and Belgium.
Canada has used similar graphic imagery and warnings on cigarette packs with some success since 2000. Brazil also has a similar scheme in place.
However the Swedish minister of health, Morgan Johansson, has rejected this idea.
