Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) – Press Release

Make the EU a Role Model for Action Against Tobacco-Related Harm

“The legitimacy for action could not be stronger: tobacco products are severely harmful to health – unconditionally. This fact must be the guiding rationale for policy action. The revision of the Tobacco Products Directive is a unique opportunity for the EU to demonstrate leadership on a global scale in the fight against tobacco-related harm and save innumerable lives.” CPME President, Dr Konstanty Radziwill

European Doctors reaffirm their calls for decisive action against tobacco-related harm.

In the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive 2001/37/EC it is imperative to enshrine the compelling evidence-base of effective regulatory tools to deter tobacco consumption and promote smoking cessation. Policy-makers must withstand the voices looking to distort the legitimacy for action and delay the publication of the legislative proposal.

Also, the comprehensive implementation and enforcement of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control by the Union and all Member States must be pursued. The spirit of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) landmark resolution adopted in July, on UN-wide coherence and interagency coordination to provide multi-sectorial implementation assistance to Member States on tobacco control, must be taken as an example.  EU decision makers cannot stand still, but are called on to further foster effective legal instruments against tobacco-related harm.

The European Union has the opportunity to prove its political commitment to protecting the health of its citizens and to become a role model for action against tobacco-related harm.

European doctors look forward to being pro-active partners in working towards a healthier Europe.

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All CPME Policy documents are available at: www.cpme.eu

For more information, please contact:

Birgit BEGER
CPME Secretary General
Tel.: +32 2 732 72 02
Fax: +32 2 732 73 44
e-mail: secretariat@cpme.eu

For more information about CPME, consult our website: www.cpme.eu