A resolution on smoking bans, initially backed by a majority of MEPs, was widely rejected after attempts by right-wing groups to exclude novel tobacco products from the text.
The European Parliament has overwhelmingly voted by 378 votes against a resolution on recommendations for smoke-free environments – with only 152 in favour, and 26 abstentions.
The proposal which originated from the Commission was jointly presented by the European People’s Party (EPP), the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Renew Europe, and the Greens/EFA. But despite joint backing from four powerful political groups, the proposal was rejected following the approval of amendments tabled by the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR).
These amendments were backed by a majority of the EPP, which diverged from its initial coalition partners, sparking criticism from other political groups.
After the vote, Alessandra Moretti, S&D’s negotiator on the resolution, criticised EPP’s supporting the ECR amendments and the “anti-scientific position of the right-wing groups”, stating that these “prevented the Parliament from approving a resolution that could have safeguarded public health from smoke and aerosols, particularly protecting vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.”
The controversial amendments sought differentiation in the regulation of e-cigarettes and other heated tobacco products from traditional tobacco.
This would have changed the impact of the original proposal, which aimed to broaden existing rules by addressing the risks posed by vapes and as well as tobacco. The Commission’s recommendations included expanding smoking bans to outdoor areas and covering innovative products that do not contain nicotine.
“The Commission ignores the fact that cigarette alternatives such as vaping continue to prove helpful for people trying to quit smoking,” the ECR said in a press release.
Patriots for Europe also voted against the text as it considered the EU has no competence over the issue, which it believes is the sole domain of the member states, sources told Euronews.
Another contested aspect of the resolution was the extension of smoking bans to outdoor or semi-outdoor areas—defined as partially covered or enclosed spaces like rooftops, balconies, porches, and patios—associated with service establishments such as restaurants, bars and cafes.
The European Council is also expected to vote on the Commission’s proposal during next week’s health ministers’ meeting.
The guidelines once adopted would not be legally binding but are intended to provide a framework for member states to follow as part of wider efforts to curb tobacco-related cancer.
