The EU directive of 2003 that bans tobacco advertising in the print media, on radio and over the internet comes into force on 31 July. The directive also prohibits tobacco sponsorship of cross-border cultural and sporting events.
This ends an almost decade long process in which the Commission's initial 1998 bid for a total ban was overruled by the European Court of Justice 2001, which cited lack of EU competence.
"Banning tobacco advertising is one of the most effective ways of reducing smoking. This directive will save lives and reduce the number of Europeans who suffer from smoking-related illnesses," said Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou. Most EU countries, but not Germany, have either passed the necessary laws or are in the process of passing them.
The Commission's highlighting of the ban seem to be part of a new EU communication strategy to shine a light on the positive results of year-long legislative EU processes that have a popular impact.
