Should the EU ban advertisements for fossil fuels, airlines, and gas-powered cars, similar to the ban on tobacco ads?
Environmental groups have launched initiatives to ban advertising for fossil fuels, airlines, and combustion engine cars, drawing a direct parallel to the 2003 EU directive that banned tobacco advertising. Proponents argue that advertising high-carbon products normalizes pollution and undermines the Green Deal. Opponents argue that unlike tobacco, energy and transport are essential services, and banning ads infringes on commercial free speech.