The health ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia have adopted a new declaration committing to stronger tobacco control measures aimed at creating a smoke-free future across the Western Balkans. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, the agreement reinforces the right of every person to breathe clean air and be protected from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.
The declaration includes plans to introduce comprehensive smoke- and aerosol-free legislation covering all indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport. Participating countries also pledged to strengthen enforcement of tobacco control laws, expand public awareness campaigns, improve monitoring of smoke-free policies, and protect public health decisions from tobacco industry influence.
According to WHO, tobacco use remains a major public health challenge in the Western Balkans, with between 21% and 40% of adults using tobacco in 2024. Tobacco-related illnesses are responsible for an estimated 34,000 premature deaths each year, including cases of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other noncommunicable diseases.
The declaration also calls for closer regional cooperation through a dedicated platform for sharing information, best practices, and coordinated action. Health leaders believe stronger collaboration will help counter tobacco industry interference and accelerate progress toward healthier communities.
By adopting the new declaration, the Western Balkans have taken a significant step toward reducing tobacco use, improving public health, and supporting broader sustainable development goals through stronger tobacco control policies.
