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Smoking is the largest preventable cause of death in the EU, creating both direct costs to healthcare systems and indirect costs due to productivity loss.

European consumers have been reluctant to accept genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production. The Commission has proposed amended rules that would give the Member States new grounds for banning the cultivation of GMOs on their territory.

The UK and Ireland have stricter fire-resistance standards than the rest of the EU. These standards save lives, but other Member States are wary of the excessive use of flame-retardant chemicals.

The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses an urgent problem. Antibiotics are used widely in agriculture, contributing to resistance.

Water privatisation stirs up fierce debate. Some level of private sector involvement can be found in the water sector throughout the EU. However, liberalisation has not necessarily followed.