Smoking bans: how far should Europe go?

One third of Europeans smoke and it is believed 650,000 people die each year across Europe as a result of smoking-related diseases. New York City has just voted to ban smoking in parks, on public beaches and even in Times Square. Should Europe follow suit? Where do you draw the line between public health and personal liberties?

TALKING EUROPE

Guests:

Satu HASSI
Finnish MEP, Group of the Greens

Roberts ZĪLE
Latvian MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists

Presented by Christophe Robeet

Prepared by Soumaya Benaissa and Anne-Claire Poignard

Christophe Robeet

Presenter

18/05/2013 - TALKING EUROPE

Antonio Vitorino: President, Notre Europe - Jacques Delors Institute

Recent surveys show a majority of Europeans have a negative opinion of the EU. Euroscepticism is rising particularly in member states most affected by the ongoing crisis: three quarters of the Spanish and 60pc of the French say they don't trust the EU anymore. A former EU Commissioner from Portugal, Antonio Vitorino discusses what Europe must do to regain the trust of its citizens.

18/05/2013 - TALKING EUROPE

EU Competitivness: Paying too much for energy?

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss energy issues against the backdrop of a weakening economy and record unemployment. European industry says it is disadvantaged because of the price it pays for energy compared to its competitors. Are energy prices in Europe too high? Is Europe's green energy consensus beginning to disintegrate?

11/05/2013 - TALKING EUROPE

Neelie Kroes, European Commissioner for the Digital Agenda

Neelie Kroes is Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for the Digital Agenda. She calls on Europe to support its network of high-tech start-ups in order to revive its ailing economy. The Dutch liberal believes there is enough untapped talent on the continent to launch a "digital revolution" and create badly needed jobs.

11/05/2013 - TALKING EUROPE

EU banker bonus cap: will the bite match the bark?

Under an EU-wide deal, banker bonuses will be capped at a year's basic pay or double that amount if there is explicit approval from shareholders. Large bonuses were blamed for much of the reckless behaviour that led to the 2008 financial crisis. But the move has been fiercely opposed by the UK, who says the cap will drive business away from London.

04/05/2013 - TALKING EUROPE

26 million Europeans out of work

When the president of Europe's Trade Union Confederation meets the Director of Europe's Employers' Federation, expect a lively debate on the ongoing economic crisis and on the state of the continent’s labour market.

React to the article

(2) Reactions

death

by Anonyme - 10/03/2011 - 06:43

Reducing campaign of cigarette ban and reducing campaign of alcohol ban, more active sport uptake, less watching television,
taking up reading, travelling, writing letters, writing books, joining book club, discussing politics etc.