Smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption are considered the single most important cause of preventable morbidity and premature mortality worldwide, with tobacco being the single major cause of premature deaths in the European Union (EU).
JA-SAFE aims to significantly reduce tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke across Europe, contributing to the EU’s goal of achieving a tobacco-free generation.
The project encompasses nine work packages under five thematic areas: smoke-free environments, alcohol prevention, cessation, steps towards a tobacco-free generation, and supporting health promotion and disease prevention in Europe.
Focus areas
Smoke-free environments
Promoting a Smoke and Aerosol Free (SAFE) Europe
Alcohol prevention
Preventing Alcohol-Related Harm in Europe
Cessation
Scaling up Interventions for Tobacco Control and SAFE in Healthcare Settings
Tobacco-free generation
Accelerating the Path to a Tobacco-Free Generation in Europe
Health promotion and disease prevention
Strengthening Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in Europe
Latest news
Global Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health
On 16 December 2025, world leaders adopted a new UN Political Declaration on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health, marking a major global milestone for prevention and health equity. For tobacco control, the Declaration provides a clear political mandate, concrete global targets, and renewed momentum that closely align with JA-SAFE’s objectives.
Events
10th European Conference on Tobacco or Health (ECTOH) takes place in Milan
The 10th European Conference on Tobacco or Health (ECTOH) is taking place in Milan from 20 to 22 May, bringing together public health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and civil society actors from across Europe and beyond to advance tobacco control and nicotine prevention efforts.
JA-SAFE Kick-off meeting
The Kick-off Meeting of the Joint Action on Smoke- and Aerosol-Free Environments took place from 3 to 5 November 2025 in Athens, Greece, hosted at the Royal Olympic Hotel and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). The event was held in hybrid format, welcoming both in-person and online participants.