Germany is preparing a ban on smoking in public places: the example of France and challenges for Ukrainian refugees

In Europe, the tendency to restrict smoking in public spaces is strengthening. Countries are revising legislation, strengthening prohibitions, raising excise taxes, banning advertising, and increasingly asserting the right of citizens to breathe smoke-free air. One of the most active examples in this sense is France, which has already implemented a number of strict anti-tobacco restrictions. Now the initiative is being adopted in Germany: representatives of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party are openly advocating a complete ban on smoking in public spaces. The discussion continues at the level of parliamentary factions, and although the bill has not yet been put to a vote, the political signal is clear: the country is preparing for a new, much stricter order.

Germany: political initiative in the Bundestag

Against this background, the discussion about the need to move from fragmentary restrictions to a systemic legislative solution is increasingly active in Germany. Representatives of the pro-government coalition, in particular SPD and the Green Party, publicly stated the need to follow the French example. Bundestag deputy Dagmar Schmidt, who holds the position of deputy head of the SPD faction, emphasized in the Welt commentary that “France’s determination should become a reference point for Germany as well.” She emphasized that it is primarily about the protection of children and minors who become passive smokers due to the lack of control over smoking in parks, at train stations, near schools and in other open areas.

Janos Damen, spokesperson of the Green Party on health care, shares her position. He expressed support for a complete review of national tobacco policy. In his opinion, in addition to banning smoking in public places, Germany should go the way of raising taxes on cigarettes, banning marketing and significantly restricting access to points of sale. This approach, according to Damen, has already proven its effectiveness in France, and Germany has no more excuses for delay.

Despite the fact that Germany ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control back in 2004, its domestic legislation remains softer compared to France, Ireland or Spain. Smoking is prohibited in public transport, train stations, medical facilities and schools, but many parks, streets, sports arenas and recreation areas remain outside legal control. In some federal states, the possibility for bars, restaurants and clubs to set aside separate smoking rooms remains, which is actively used by establishments focused on nightlife.

Cigarette advertising in Germany is limited, but still not completely banned. In particular, outdoor advertising – on billboards, bus stops, in cinemas – is still legal, which is an exception among the countries of the European Union.

France: a policy of firm decisions in the fight against tobacco

The French anti-smoking model has been taking shape for more than ten years and involves a comprehensive approach. The country has a complete ban on smoking in public spaces, transport, educational and medical institutions. However, recently the limits of this ban have been significantly expanded: from 2023, smoking is prohibited on public beaches, in parks, near schools, kindergartens and sports fields. In some cities, zones have been created that are completely free of smoking, even in the open air.

In addition, access to tobacco products is severely restricted in France. Sales are allowed only through licensed points — tobacco kiosks that are under constant surveillance by tax and sanitary services. In addition, there is a complete ban on tobacco brand advertising, including sponsorship of sporting events, cinema and youth events. Excise duty policy is another deterrent: the cost of a pack of cigarettes has risen to more than 10 euros over the past five years, and the upward trend continues.

At the state level, the French authorities have publicly declared the goal: to create a generation that will not smoke at all by 2032. This goal includes raising youth awareness, expanding access to smoking cessation programs, and criminalizing sales to minors.

Ukrainian refugees: new realities

For Ukrainian refugees who have integrated into the life of Germany after 2022, the new restrictions, if they are introduced, will mean the need to rebuild daily habits. First of all, this applies to people who smoke. The habit of going out with a cigarette to a park, to the entrance to a public building or to a playground may in the coming years become not only socially unacceptable, but administratively punishable. If a new law is adopted, such actions may be subject to real fines.

At the same time, families with children, of which there are a lot of Ukrainians in Germany, on the contrary, can receive new guarantees of a safe and clean space for walks and leisure. In large cities – Berlin, Munich, Hamburg – the problem of passive smoking in crowded pedestrian zones is still relevant, and this is one of the main reasons why local authorities support the idea of ​​creating smoke-free zones.

In addition, it is important to take into account the cultural aspect: in German society, there is less and less tolerance for smoking as a phenomenon. Especially before smoking in the presence of children. Refugees seeking to integrate into the German environment must consider not only the legal but also the ethical expectations of a society that increasingly associates smoking in public with irresponsibility.

Currently, initiatives to ban smoking in Germany are at the stage of political discussion. It is expected that relevant legislative proposals can be prepared by autumn 2025. If they receive support in the Bundestag, the new rules could enter into force as early as 2026, with a phased implementation in the federal states.

For Ukrainians in Germany, this means not only the need to adapt to the new framework, but also the opportunity to join the European culture of responsibility for health — actually a collective one. The new norms are not repressive, they reflect a change in approaches to public space as a common good. And in this context, the experience of France, which has already shown its effectiveness, becomes a guide not only for German politicians, but also for everyone who moved to Europe in search of a safer life.