Around the World: European Union

Pan-EU smoking ban plan

The European Union says it wants its member states to ban smoking in enclosed public places, on public transportation and in workplaces by 2012.

EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou says smoking and secondhand smoking cause serious health and economic problems for Europeans. A recent EU survey shows 84 percent of Europeans want their workplaces to be smoke-free. They also want smoking bans in bars and restaurants.