Health ministers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia have adopted a new declaration, backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe, committing to strengthen tobacco control policies and protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke and aerosols. The declaration aims to reduce the high prevalence of tobacco use across the Western Balkans and affirms every person’s right to breathe clean air.

The agreement includes commitments to introduce comprehensive smoke-free legislation covering all indoor public spaces, workplaces and public transport, strengthen enforcement of tobacco control laws, expand public awareness campaigns, establish robust monitoring systems and safeguard public health policies from tobacco industry interference.

According to WHO, between 21% and 40% of adults in the Western Balkans used tobacco in 2024, with smoking responsible for an estimated 34,000 premature deaths annually from cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other noncommunicable diseases. WHO warns that, without stronger action, the European Region is expected to remain the world’s highest-prevalence region for tobacco use, with smoking rates projected to exceed 22% by 2030.

The declaration also calls for the creation of a regional platform to strengthen cooperation, share best practices and coordinate tobacco control efforts. WHO says the initiative represents an important step toward a tobacco-free future, supporting not only better public health outcomes but also broader sustainable development goals, including reduced inequalities, economic growth and improved environmental and social well-being.