Azerbaijan, Poland boost cooperation on digital tax reforms
Azerbaijan and Poland discussed closer cooperation in digital tax reforms and innovation during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of the IOTA General Assembly in Baku.
Spain is preparing to significantly expand its public smoking restrictions by banning smoking on bar and restaurant terraces, as well as in other outdoor public areas, Health Minister Mónica García announced Thursday.
The proposal includes not only traditional tobacco but also electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco devices.
In an interview with Cadena SER radio, García revealed that the government has finalized a draft bill to implement the ban, which must still undergo review by the Council of Ministers and approval in the Spanish Parliament’s lower house.
“We want to place Spain at the forefront of the fight against smoking,” García said, emphasizing the public health objective of the legislation.
Expanded Scope of the Ban
In addition to hospitality terraces, the proposed law would prohibit smoking in:
The draft bill is part of a broader anti-smoking initiative launched by Spain’s left-wing coalition government more than a year ago. The initiative also includes increased support for smoking cessation programs and higher taxes on tobacco products and their alternatives.
EU-Wide Push Against Public Smoking
Spain’s move aligns with similar efforts in other European countries responding to the European Commission’s recommendation to extend smoking bans to more public spaces, including those involving e-cigarettes.
France announced in September 2024 that it was developing a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor café terraces.
Italy has discussed similar legislation since 2023, though only Milan has enacted a local ban so far, with a pilot program proposed in Rome.
Beyond the EU, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed last year that his government was exploring stricter outdoor smoking regulations for pubs and restaurants to reduce preventable deaths.
Industry Pushback
While public health advocates have welcomed the initiative, critics argue the measures could be too restrictive and economically damaging. Small businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, warn they may lose customers if smoking is prohibited even in outdoor seating areas.
The legislation is expected to spark intense debate as it advances through Spain’s legislative process, but if passed, it would mark one of the most comprehensive smoking bans in Europe, further cementing Spain’s place in the EU’s collective effort to curb tobacco-related harm.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russia and Kazakhstan have signed a formal agreement to move forward with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, marking a key step in their energy cooperation.
A nationwide transport strike on Friday disrupted travel across Italy, with major delays and cancellations reported in rail, air, and public transit services.
Several EU Member States have activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) to assist the departure of citizens due to the airspace closures in the Middle East. Slovakia, Lithuania, Greece, Poland and Portugal have requested UCPM support to assist the departure of their nationals.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China issued red alerts as extreme monsoon rain trigger flash floods across central and southern regions, threatening lives, and infrastructure.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment