The European tobacco control report describes the tobacco control situation and the status of tobacco control policies in the WHO European Region as at late 2006; reviews progress following the adoption of the European Strategy for Tobacco Control (ESTC) in 2002; and establishes a baseline for monitoring implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in the Region. The document presents an overview of the situation regarding tobacco use and related harm in the WHO European Region during the period 2002–2006 and of Member States' policy responses and implementation of national tobacco control measures in line with the recommendations of the ESTC. Reference is also made to the status of policies in countries in the light of the specific requirements of the WHO FCTC. Lessons learned and challenges faced during the policy-making process are illustrated by several short national, regional and subregional case studies attached to the Report.