The aim of the JA-SAFE – the Joint Action on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention including Smoke and Aerosol Free Environments  joint action is to reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, and their risk factors, both at the individual and population level.

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.

JA-SAFE’s objectives translate European public health priorities into coordinated, practical action across countries and sectors. Building on the evidence that tobacco use, exposure to smoke and aerosols, and alcohol consumption remain major drivers of preventable non-communicable diseases, the Joint Action focuses on policy implementation, system strengthening, and capacity building rather than standalone interventions.

Specific objectives:

Prevent tobacco use and exposure: support the implementation and enforcement of smoke- and aerosol-free environments, including in healthcare and public settings.

Prevent alcohol-related harm: strengthen alcohol prevention approaches as a core component of cancer and NCD prevention strategies.

Support tobacco and nicotine use cessation and treatment: promote evidence-based cessation guidelines and improve access to effective support, particularly within healthcare systems.

Advance towards a tobacco-free generation: contribute to EU-level goal by closing policy gaps, addressing emerging tobacco and nicotine products, and protecting young people from addiction.

Strengthen health promotion and prevention capacity: enhance cooperation, knowledge exchange, and implementation capacity among Member States, regions, and institutions, and across sectors and research field