The sixth issue of the Spotlight on the FCTC focuses on Article 15 and the proposed Protocol, which will aim to legally commit the Parties to take action against the global illicit trade of tobacco products.

On 1 February 2010, the Smoke Free Partnership organised a seminar in the European Parliament (Brussels) on combating the global illicit trade in tobacco and the consequences for Europe and Africa. The importance of negotiating a strong Protocol at the fourth Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB4) in Geneva in March was the main focus.

The speakers were Austin Rowan (Head of Unit, Task Group Cigarettes, at the Commission’s Anti-Fraud Office [OLAF]), Dr Michael Anibueze (Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria), Luk Joossens (International expert in illicit tobacco trade) and Ian Willmore (Framework Convention Alliance).

The seminar was hosted by Bart Staes MEP.

Please click here to see coverage of the event on the New Europe website.