Spotlight on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

This edition of the Spotlight looks at the background to the proposals, the legislative procedure that will be followed at EU level and, most importantly, why tobacco taxation is one of the most effective and efficient methods to reduce smoking rates. Smoking is still the biggest cause of preventable death in the EU, with 650.000 smoking-related deaths each year. The World Bank argues that, on economic grounds alone, tobacco should be controlled, and estimates that when all costs of tobacco around the world are subtracted from all benefits, the net result is a global economic loss of US$200 billion each year. Furthermore, the cost to the EU of tobacco-related disease is estimated at €100 billion – 1% of the EU’s GDP, a sum almost equivalent to the entire EU budget.

The Spotlight is available in English, French, German, Polish, Slovakian and Spanish.

To view the full document please visit the Smokefree Partnership website

For more information

Second issue of ‘Spotlight on the FCTC’

Launch of "Spotlight on the FCTC" at a cocktail reception in Brussels on the 30th January, European Parliament, Salon des Membres, 6pm

What does the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) mean for the EU?

Briefing to MEPs on the FCTC, 20th June 2007