Introduction:
The presentation is based on: - the evolution of tobacco prevalence and control measures among young people from 1997 to 2020. - the objectives of the main upcoming measures of the Belgian inter-federal strategy for 2022-2028. Taking into account the persistent strong social gradient, it will be discuss recommendations towards young people.

Background:
In Belgium, much of the reduction in the prevalence of tobacco use in young people can be attributed to general long-term policies, most of them adopted during the last twenty years at the federal and regional levels such as : - legal measures : • smoking ban in schools, indoor public places, cars when a minor is present , • advertising ban, neutral packaging, • gradual increase in taxation; - adoption of health promotion policies encouraging protective factors related to addiction. A legal and social process to denormalize tobacco use has been implemented and produced results in particular for young people.

Results:
Recurrent surveys on teenagers 10 -17 yrs from the Health Observatory of Hainaut (HOH,CSSV network) since 1997 report significant progress towards a smoke-free generation. For example, although the province of Hainaut has a disadvantaged context compared to other Belgian provinces, current smoking prevalence fell to 7.0% in 2020 (age 16) compared to 30% in 1997. Moreover, these progresses are not equally distributed among socio-economic groups: In 2020, current smoking prevalence among 15-17 yrs old was 12.5% among professional training school , against 2,9% for general education.

Discussion:
New measures included in the inter-federal plan could be the tool to reach an end-game. Among them : smoking ban on railway station platform, prohibition at external entrances to schools, display ban and reduction of sale points, pouches ban, puffbars ban, automat display ban, increase in taxes ; etc. ... Particular attention should be paid to ensure that young people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds can benefit from these positive developments.