Smoke-free environments
28.10.2009
ORAL QUESTION WITH DEBATE O-0119/09
pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Edite Estrela, on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
to the Council
On 30 June 2009, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Council Recommendation on smoke free environments to assist and encourage national efforts to better protect citizens from the risks of tobacco smoke, in line with international commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The Recommendation would also put in place mechanisms to monitor progress towards smoke-free environments throughout the EU and facilitate the exchange of best practices and policy coordination between Member States.
The ENVI Committee supports the objectives of the Recommendation; tobacco remains the largest single cause of premature death and disease in the European Union.
The Committee does, however, highlight the need to have a complete debate on this issue and the need for Parliament to express its position.
- Can the Council confirm its intention to adopt Council's conclusions on this subject in the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council of 1 December 2009, despite Parliament's timetable? What are the reasons for the Council to rush into adopting the Recommendation without the European Parliament's opinion?
- Since Parliament was consulted on the Commission's proposal, is the Council prepared to take Parliament's view into account when drafting the Council's conclusions?
Tabled: 28.10.2009
Forwarded: 29.10.2009
Deadline for reply: 19.11.2009