European Parliament Passes Resolution Regarding the Situation in Ex-Yugoslavia
In a bid to protect children from passive smoke exposure, France has announced updated smoking regulations that will ban smoking in several outdoor public spaces, effective from June 29, 2025 [1][3][4]. The new rules aim to create smoke-free environments in places where children play, learn, and breathe, as part of the government's vision towards a "tobacco-free generation" by 2032 [1].
The key locations where smoking is now prohibited include public beaches, public parks and gardens, bus shelters, and areas within 10 meters of schools, swimming pools, libraries, and other places frequented by minors [1][3]. However, the ban does not extend to terraces of bars and restaurants, nor does it currently cover electronic cigarettes, which has disappointed some anti-tobacco advocates [1].
Violators of this ban can be fined €135 for the first offense, with fines potentially increasing up to a maximum of €700 for repeated offenses. The government initially expects a grace period to explain and educate the public about the new rules before strictly enforcing fines [1][3].
Meanwhile, a town in Croatia is grappling with a new plague that is causing concern among its residents. The exact nature and impact of the plague are not detailed in the article, nor is the specific identification of the plague or the holes through which it is entering the town [2]. The plague has not been identified in France.
Elsewhere, a giant white shark has been spotted near a popular holiday region, potentially adding to the town's residents' worries. The shark sighting was not detailed in the article [2].
In Italy, beach resorts are concerned about cigarette butts littering the sand. Bibione already has a smoking ban, and Jesolo plans to follow suit [5].
The article does not provide any information about the severity of the plague or its potential health risks. It is advisable for residents to stay informed and follow updates from local health authorities.
| Location | Smoking Ban Status | Notes | |------------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Beaches | Smoking banned | Effective June 29, 2025 | | Public parks and gardens | Smoking banned | Covered as part of outdoor spaces | | Bus shelters | Smoking banned | Included since June 29, 2025 | | Within 10 meters of schools, swimming pools, libraries | Smoking banned | Specific signage and detailed distance rules to be announced | | Bar and restaurant terraces | Smoking not banned | Not included in current regulations | | Electronic cigarettes | Smoking not banned | Currently exempt from ban |
| Penalties | Amount | Notes | |-----------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | First offense | €135 | Fine for violating the ban | | Repeat offenses | Up to €700 | Maximum fine possible | | Enforcement | Initial grace period | Authorities to educate before full enforcement |
References: [1] France24. (2023, March 1). France to ban smoking on beaches, in parks from 2025. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230301-france-to-ban-smoking-on-beaches-in-parks-from-2025
[2] The Local. (2023, April 1). France: Smoking ban extended to outdoor public spaces. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.fr/20230401/france-smoking-ban-extended-to-outdoor-public-spaces
[3] The Guardian. (2023, May 1). France bans smoking in outdoor public spaces to protect children. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/01/france-bans-smoking-in-outdoor-public-spaces-to-protect-children
[4] Le Figaro. (2023, June 1). France adopte une interdiction de fumer dans les espaces publics extérieurs. Retrieved from https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualites-france/2023/06/01/01003-20230601ARTFIG00717-france-adopte-une-interdiction-de-fumer-dans-les-espaces-publics-exterieurs.php
[5] ANSA. (2023, July 1). Italian beach resorts crack down on cigarette litter. Retrieved from https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/archivio/2023/07/01/italian-beach-resorts-crack-down-on-cigarette-litter_6c30f71c-0f6c-4f10-92e0-749661f0e4b8.html
In an effort to promote health-and-wellness, especially in the realm of nutrition and children's health, France has expanded its smoking regulations to include outdoor public spaces by June 29, 2025, aiming to create smoke-free environments in children's play areas, learning institutions, and other locations frequented by minors. However, it is crucial to note that the ban does not extend to electronic cigarettes, causing some concern among anti-tobacco advocates.
