Smoking ban in the EU Parliament: How do the Viennese think about it?

Smoking ban in the EU Parliament: How do the Viennese think about it?

A sensational topic currently employs the EU Parliament: a planned ban on smoking in public space causes heated discussions. The strict ban would in future prohibit smoking from public buildings, beaches, parks and even on the outer areas of restaurants and bars. Chancellor Karl Nehammer sharply criticizes this proposal as a "completely wrong way". This was reported Today and collected voices from the Viennese population. Many, including smokers themselves, are skeptical. Martin, a passionate smoker, says: "This will not prevail because too many people smoke." Jane and Engelbert also show resentment about the project and want more freedom of choice for the citizens.

economic perspectives and the EU initiatives

On the other hand, there are the economic challenges that the EU wants to tackle the Next Generation EU (NGEU) reconstruction program. This program, which represents the largest economic stimulus program since the Marshall Plan at 806.9 billion euros, aims to make the European economy crisis. With the new “RepowerUeu chapter”, the member states provide additional funds to promote projects in the energy sector. Austria benefits from 210.3 million euros, which are to be invested in renewable energies, as can be seen from bundeskanzleramt

The structure and resilience plan relies on measures to accelerate the approval process for renewable energies and the expansion of photovoltaic systems. These investments should not only contribute to the energy transition, but also reduce the dependency on fossil fuels. While the debate about the ban on smoking is progressing, the question remains how such guidelines can be reconciled with the economic requirements and the wishes of the population.