By Martin Banks - 20th May 2009
It is a good time to reflect on progress achieved over the past five years
Luk Joossens
A cross-party group of MEPs have thrown their weight behind calls for more EU-wide efforts to cut tobacco-related deaths in Europe.
Several deputies have endorsed a campaign, organised by the "Tobacco-free partnership," a Brussels-based lobby group pressing for further legislation on the issue.
Luk Joossens, of the Association of European Cancer Leagues, said, "With one person dying every 48 seconds from smoking, the partnership has now decided to launch its 'Tobacco Free Europe' campaign."
He said smoking kills at least 650,000 people a year in Europe and tobacco use costs the European economy more than €100bn a year.
As the potential for an influenza pandemic grows, he said that "ensuring that people are healthy, with strong immune systems and in good respiratory health, has never been more important."
Joossens added, “As the mandate for the European parliament has now ended, it is a good time to reflect on progress achieved over the past five years towards reducing the health burden from tobacco in the EU."
Joossens, a member of the steering committee for the Smoke Free Europe campaign. went on, “Much has been achieved but it is crucial that we continue to push for legislative change and reduce the number of deaths per year significantly.
"Tobacco control must stay firmly on the political agenda.”
The group has launched a dedicated campaign website, www.tobaccofree.me, which contains a manifesto pledge that all MEPs in the new parliament are invited to sign.
Several have already done so, including Frieda Brepoels, Catherine Stihler, Liz Lynne, Jan Brezina and Csaba Sogor.
