Ireland became the first EU country to put in place a full ban on smoking in public places in March 2004. This was the first step in a series of laws adopted throughout Europe that marked a clear step forward in the fight against the consumption of tobacco.

Other countries have followed the Irish example and, in many member states, people who smoke can no longer light up whenever and wherever they feel like it. Let’s be frank: when it comes to tobacco control the measures that pinch the most are smoking bans.

Many EU countries have given their citizens the right to be protected from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Indeed, the trend has been moving faster since health ministers adopted a recommendation two years ago aimed at achieving a “smoke-free environment” in the EU by 2012.

Since then, several EU countries have passed strict laws against smoking in public places. In Spain, for example, since the beginning of this year, smoking is banned in all public places including bars, restaurants, discos and public transport terminals. Greece, the EU country with the highest proportion of smokers, also adopted more stringent laws in September of last year. The first national law specifically aimed at phasing out the use of tobacco products came into force in Finland last September, banning display of tobacco products and vending machines and extending smoking bans to outdoor facilities and hotel rooms.

In Malta, where the law allows smoking in ventilated, separate “smoking rooms”, the government has made a further step and will ban the use of smoking rooms as of 2013. Joining in, Hungary has just passed a new law in April, banning smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces, including hospitality venues and public transport as from January next year. Belgium is just about to enforce stricter bans.

I am delighted to see increasingly tough laws being put in place in many EU countries. I would like to commend those national or regional governments that have demonstrated the high premium they put on the health of their people by passing comprehensive laws on smoking in public places.

For the countries that are lagging behind, I have two words: “catch up!” It takes courage and determination to put citizens’ health first. But it also pays in the medium to long term as tobacco-related harm can have huge costs for our health systems. Not to mention the human cost and suffering to smokers and their families!

Let’s face it, a majority of EU citizens support smoke-free public places, such as offices, restaurants and bars. Although more non-smokers support these measures than smokers, there are still a substantial percentage of smokers in favour. For example, a European survey showed 83 per cent of non-smokers and 68 per cent of smokers support smoking restrictions in restaurants.

There is proof that smoking bans have a positive impact on health by reducing smoking consumption and exposure. While it may take many years for the full picture to emerge, the evidence from smoke-free countries is encouraging. Indoor air quality has improved and has led to a drop in heart attacks.

In addition to national laws on smoke-free environments, some EU laws – on tobacco advertising, health warnings and misleading terms on packaging, for example – also deal with this crucial health issue. Thanks to these laws, European citizens are no longer confronted with aggressive tobacco advertising in print media, radio or television. Big sport events, like Formula One, can no longer be used to promote tobacco products. And citizens are better informed about what tobacco does to their health as warnings on tobacco packages are compulsory throughout the EU.

Europe’s Tobacco Products Directive is designed to harmonise many features of these products for the whole of Europe and to ensure a high level of health protection. The directive is now 10 years old and has become outdated. Many of the questions we face today were not an issue in 2001. For example, how do we deal with novel smokeless tobacco or nicotine products or with flavours and ingredients that make tobacco attractive to young people? How can we increase the impact of health warnings on tobacco products? The European Commission is considering putting forward a proposal for the revision of this directive in 2012. The aim would be to strengthen and adapt to developments in tobacco products, international commitments as well as advances in science.

Finally, I would like to mention one other weapon in our fight against tobacco: raising awareness. Active campaigning at EU or national level to prevent and reduce tobacco use is crucial. Our previous EU campaigns focused on smoking prevention among young people. In the coming weeks, the Commission will launch a new campaign to encourage young people in the 25-34 years age group to stop smoking.

The loss of lives from tobacco use in Europe is staggering and entirely avoidable. It is my firm belief that all Europeans deserve full protection from the harmful effects of tobacco. I know there is a high level of support among the public. How could there not be? I intend to work with member states to make our common fight against tobacco consumption a lasting success. In short, I will continue to do all I can to deliver on tobacco control.

European citizens deserve nothing less.

The author is European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy.