Brussels, 6 June 2018: Over 25 public officials, MEPs, public health advocates, gathered at the European Parliament in Brussels to mark World No Tobacco Day 2018, on the theme “Tobacco Breaks Hearts” and focusing on the impact of tobacco use on cardiovascular diseases.

Hosted by MEP Cristian Silviu BUSOI, the session was organised by the European Heart Network (EHN) and Smoke Free Partnership (SFP), with endorsement from the World Heart Federation, the European Society of Cardiology, and the European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention.

Speakers at the event called for stronger policy action on tobacco in order to prevent cardiovascular diseases, including strong smoke free policies, the implementation of plain packaging and advertising restrictions at national level, and an increase in tobacco excise duty levels to reduce the affordability of tobacco products especially for young people.

An Award ceremony also recognised three WHO World No Tobacco Day Award recipients present at the event.