1 June 2015. This reception was organised with the support of the Association of European Cancer Leagues, the Belgian Foundation against Cancer, and the Smoke Free Partnership on 1 June at the European Parliament (18.30 – 20.00h) in Brussels

Each year, on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) gives  recognition to individuals or organizations for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control.  A World No  Tobacco Day reception and award ceremony for Mr Luk Joossens, Tobacco Control Expert at the Association of European Cancer Leagues and the Foundation Against Cancer Belgium, is awared special recognition by the world health organization, will take place on 1 June at the European  Parliament (18.30 – 20.00h) in Brussels.

According to the WHO, between 9-11% of tobacco products consumed worldwide are illegal, making the illicit trade of tobacco products a major global concern from many perspectives, including health, legal, economic, governance and corruption. The tobacco industry and criminal groups are among those who profit from the illegal tobacco trade, leaving the public to pay the health and security costs.

The Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products was adopted in 2012. So far, the Protocol has been signed by 54 governments including the EU, and ratified by 8, including two EU Member States. Ratification and speedy implementation of the Protocol at EU and global level are necessary to respond to the financial, legal and health impacts of the illicit trade of tobacco products.

In this context SFP will launch its Factsheet about the Agreement between the EU and Philip Morris International. This factsheet identifies key facts and questions arising out of the current negotiations to renew the 2004 PMI Agreement and can be found here.

It is translated in five languages; French, German, Czech, Romanian and Spanish. As few of the versions are currently reviewed, please note that the ones missing will be added soon.

For the full press release please check here