MEPs this month called for tough measures to curb tobacco consumption, especially among the young. Parliament adopted a resolution, commanding widespread cross-party support, which calls for the introduction of an EU-wide ban on tobacco sales to children under 18 years. Parliament also supports a ban on tobacco vending-machines, self-service sales and on restrictions on packaging particularly aimed at attracting young people to smoking. The Commission is also asked to propose the harmonisation of tobacco taxes upwards and to launch a co-ordinated campaign to force tobacco companies in the EU to pay compensation US-style for damage to smokers' health.
The resolution also calls for nicotine to be declared an "addictive-inducing substance"; for more funding for anti-tobacco projects; and for the establishment of a yearly European prize for the best tobacco-free project in the EU. Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan undertook to consider the proposals carefully and recognised the need to target anti-smoking campaigns at young people.