EU launches anti-smoking drive

Brussels has launched a €72 million EU anti-smoking campaign aimed at persuading young people to stub out the habit.

EU health chief Markos Kyprianou unveiled the new "HELP: for a life without tobacco" slogan in Brussels on Tuesday, calling on national governments to follow Malta, Ireland and Itay's lead by banning smoking in public places.

The European Commission estimates that 650,000 people in Europe die from tobacco related disease each year, costing member states €100 billion per year in sickness and death costs.

"I am determined to do everything I can to stop young people taking up smoking, and to help young smokers kick the habit before it ruins their health," Kyprianou said in a statement.

Malta, Ireland and Italy have already banned smoking in public places, and Kyprianou would like to see other member states introduce similar laws, although he ruled out any EU legislation on the issue.

"I want to see a major shift in our society where being smoke-free becomes the norm and the smoke-addicted are a dwindling minority," he added.

"If all EU countries followed the lead of Ireland, Italy and Malta and banned smoking in public places it would go along was to achieving this."

The campaign, aimed at 15-18 year olds and young adults will include a roadshow, TV and cinema advertising campaign in all 25 member state and website with help on how to quit.

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