Tobacco consumption is the single largest avoidable health risk, and the most significant cause of premature death in the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 31 May, we mark World No Tobacco Day.

This year, World No-Tobacco Day symbolically comes only three days after one part of BiH, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, starts the application of the Law on Control and Restricted Use of Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Other Smoking Products. We strongly encourage both authorities and citizens to ensure proper the implementation of the Law.

Moreover, tobacco control requires a countrywide effort, thus, we urge the relevant authorities in the Republika Srpska and Brcko District to take steps to adopt tobacco control legislation and fulfil this long-standing EU recommendation.

With BiH having received candidate status, it will have to further align its legislation with that of the EU as it makes advances on the EU path. For the benefit of BiH citizens, in particular groups that are particularly sensitive to tobacco smoke, such as children and people with health conditions, we urge the relevant BiH authorities to align tobacco control legislation with that of the EU soon.