For a number of years and on a fairly regular basis, the European Tobacco Control community has got together to take stock, to discuss major trends and to define the major priorities for the next period. These meetings have been held in London, Barcelona, Heidelberg, and Brussels. Following the successful introduction of smoke free policies in a number of countries and other developments, it is time to undertake this exercise again.
The seminar will take place in Brussels in early 2007. The conference will be supported by the European Public Health Alliance.
Objectives and draft agenda
The strategy meeting aims to promoting an understanding of key advocacy needs for developing tobacco control plans and finding common grounds/consensus.
Speakers will include leading tobacco control advocates and scientists from around Europe.
A brief scene setting session will launch the seminar outlining issues such as FCTC, the EU, and Member States with regards to who has the power to do what, at which level, etc... A summary of the ASPECT report will also be included.
A matrix of past, current and future tobacco control measures will then be presented with a view to categorize each measures in terms of “unifying” and/or “dividing” factors (those for which the evidence base seems solid and non controversial - those for which the evidence base is contradictory and/or controversial). The measures will include the need to set up a nicotine regulatory authority, RIP cigarettes, tobacco product regulations, taxation, graphic warnings, smoking cessation programs and harm reduction.
Debate and discussions: The aim and challenge of this strategic meeting will be to agree on a series of agreed targets and policies in tobacco control at the EU and national level which will be given priority over the next period. As participants will be experienced tobacco control advocates, most will have their own views on priorities issues. Hence, the meeting will aim to create the dialogue necessary to build consensus and sufficient time will be provided for exchange between the participants. Professional mediators will moderate the break-out sessions.
Audience and expected outcomes
As in previous strategy meetings, most of the participants will be experienced tobacco advocates as well as those who work in other sectors, such as medicine, public health, and other relevant fields.
It is hoped that the conference material will lead to a series of agreed targets and policies which will be given priority and will set the agenda for the overall European tobacco control for the next 5 years.
Contact details
We would kindly ask you to reserve the dates and contact Wolfgang Lange at wolfgang.lange@ersnet.org for further information and registration. Please be advised that the places will be limited!
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