” “"Smoking is crazy", "it hurts those who smoke and those who are near them". Markos Kyprianou, EU Health Commissioner, comments the figures provided today by Eurobarometro about smoking habits in Europe the day before the No-Smoking Day (may 31st). The results of the survey "are comforting comments the Cypriot commissioner -; "awareness of the damage caused by cigarettes, cigars and pipes is raising within the EU". "But the fight must go on". Actually, the figures shown by the Brussels’ institute record that "the proportion of smokers within the EU was 33% in 2002 and 27% in 2005". At the same time, "the proportion of people declaring they have never smoked has grown from 42 to 47% in three years". It is above all women (57%) who have always steered clear of cigarettes, compared with men (35%). Women and young people smoke less than men, overall. Obviously, "smoking habits are different in each country", partly due to restrictive regulations. According to Eurobarometro, "80% of Europeans say they agree on the total ban on smoking in public places". Kyprianou adds: "The EU Commission fully endorses the World No-Smoking Day and launches a number of initiatives against smoking", including the 25 national "Help" events.” “
