Health law

The European Commission has proposed extending smoking bans in the EU to include open public spaces. This recommendation is designed to enhance protection against "passive smoking," according to BTA.

The European Commission is considering banning smoking in outdoor areas such as café terraces, bus stops, and zoos. This potential move aims to further restrict smoking in Europe, following the example of countries that have already implemented strict measures. Experts say this is part of a broader effort to protect public health.

Until recently, the European Union’s health department enjoyed special attention, especially after the COVID-19 crisis, when it received an additional €5 billion in funding and established a new agency for health crisis response. At that time, Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, with four decades of experience in the health sector, led the efforts.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today that he wants to introduce new measures in the fight against smoking, which, according to media reports, could include a ban on smoking in outdoor areas of restaurants and football stadiums.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared the mpox surge in Africa a global public health emergency, sounding its highest possible alarm over the worsening situation.

Worried by the rise in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the spread to nearby countries, the WHO hastily convened a meeting of experts to study the outbreak.

The National Transparecy Authority launched the website 1142.aead.gr on Monday for citizens to report violations of anti-smoking legislation. 

Citizens will be able to submit their reports for free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They will also be able to submit complains through the 1142 phone line, which operates from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

New WHO/Europe report highlights how big industry fuels chronic diseases, obstructs health policy and targets vulnerable people

The fear of lawsuits alleging malpractice are prompting an increasing number of doctors to practice so-called "defensive medicine" and order tests that are not medically necessary. 

Italy may soon ban smoking outdoors as well, reports "RAI News", "Sky TG 24" and "TG Com 24", quoted by BTA.

The draft legal act, which will contain the ban, is being prepared by the Ministry of Health. The ban will affect not only ordinary but also electronic cigarettes and so-called heated tobacco products.

Over the next three months the Health Ministry will seek to close the loopholes in the anti-smoking legislation that allow closed areas to be characterized as open-air, thus allowing people to smoke.

More specifically, the smoking of cigarettes will be expressly banned in cafes, bars, restaurants etc that are closed with canopies, plastic sheeting and other protective barriers.