BUDVA, Montenegro — Parliamentarians from across the Western Balkans gathered March 25–26 for a high-level meeting focused on strengthening tobacco control in the region. The event aimed to deepen understanding of tobacco’s public health and economic impact, promote regional cooperation, and expose industry interference in policymaking.
Hosted by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Country Office in Montenegro, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the meeting brought together parliamentarians from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
Dr. Adriana Blanco Marquizo, head of the WHO FCTC Secretariat, opened the meeting with a video message emphasizing the legislative power of parliamentarians. “They have the authority to enact and oversee comprehensive tobacco control legislation,” she said, urging vigilance against tobacco industry influence.
Montenegro Parliament Vice President Boris Pejović echoed calls for evidence-based policies and underlined the importance of political will in advancing reform.
In another video message, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr. Hans Kluge noted that passing laws is only the beginning. “Many countries have successfully reduced tobacco use by implementing and enforcing smoke-free laws, higher taxation, and advertising bans. So can the Western Balkans,” he said.
Sessions throughout the event covered the region’s tobacco burden, strategies to counter industry tactics, and approaches to regulating emerging nicotine and tobacco products. Taxation’s dual role in improving public health and boosting revenue was also a major part of the discussions.
Belgium and the Netherlands shared insights on regulating novel products, while Prof Akaki Zoidze, a former member of the parliament of Georgia highlighted how his country translated the WHO FCTC into comprehensive national legislation.
“We often speak out against other drugs, yet do little about tobacco and these new products,” said Honorable Olivera Denić, a member of the Serbian Parliament. “We need greater awareness and stronger leadership at the parliamentary level, like we saw in Georgia.”
The event concluded with calls for sustained collaboration and effective implementation, as experts urged parliamentarians to make use of available tools such as the tobacco control sectoral briefs which, among others, clearly outline what parliamentarians need to know and can do to strengthen tobacco control efforts in their respective countries.