Read articles from Europe

May 15, 2025 by spectator.co.uk

In Europe, the Nanny State Index shows Turkey leading in strict regulations, banning vapes and heavily taxing alcohol. Lithuania follows with harsh restrictions on alcohol and e-cigarettes. Ireland prices cigarettes exorbitantly and controls supermarket choices for citizens. Finland and Hungary also have restrictive policies. Overall, the trend in Europe is towards increased state control over personal freedoms regarding eating, drinking, and smoking.

May 15, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

New research shows the UK significantly underestimates smoking rates by not including vulnerable groups in surveys. Including hidden populations like those in care facilities and homelessness increases smoking prevalence from 12.9% to 14.5-14.8%. Despite this, government policies hinder harm reduction efforts, such as banning ads for safer alternatives and imposing high vape taxes. Such measures can prevent smokers, especially in marginalized communities, from switching to less harmful options. The UK's goal of being smoke-free by 2030 seems unattainable with current restrictions. Increasing access to safer alternatives and building trust through regulation is crucial for effective smoking cessation strategies.

May 14, 2025 by bizcommunity.com

With South Africa considering new tobacco control laws, global health experts, including Quit Like Sweden, emphasize the success of harm reduction strategies in Sweden and New Zealand with low-risk alternatives like nicotine pouches and vaping. These approaches have dramatically reduced smoking rates and related deaths. Advocates urge South Africa to prioritize adult access to safer options to replicate this success and improve public health outcomes. Policymakers are encouraged to learn from successful international models and create a distinction between harmful tobacco products and safer alternatives. Ultimately, the focus is on saving lives through evidence-based approaches.

May 13, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

European Commissioner Hoekstra plans to propose higher taxes on safer nicotine products, aiming for implementation by summer. The proposal includes raising prices on nicotine pouches by over 50% and adding €3 to a 10ml bottle of vaping liquid. Hoekstra is reaching out to national officials for support, targeting countries resistant to the tax hike. While some Commission members question the economic timing, Hoekstra remains adamant against nicotine products, claiming vapes are as harmful as cigarettes. Climate change policy also falls under Hoekstra's jurisdiction, sparking criticism for prioritizing vaping taxes over environmental issues. Resistance from Member States and skepticism within the Commission may hinder the tax plan approval.

May 13, 2025 by irishexaminer.com

The HSE warns against three vapes falsely labeled as "no nicotine," containing high nicotine levels. Products include Crystal Bling 6000+, McKesse MK Bar 7000, and JNR Crystal Pro Max 5000+. Consumers feeling unwell should contact a GP and notify HSE via [email protected]. The vapes exceed permitted nicotine concentrations and liquid volumes, risking consumer safety. HSE emphasizes retailers' responsibility in verifying product compliance to prevent harm and legal breaches. Distributors and importers are advised to ensure proper safety, quality, and labeling of e-cigarettes. Retailers importing from non-EU countries must comply with regulations. Vigilance in product checks is crucial to protect public health, HSE emphasizes.

May 12, 2025 by snusforumet.se

Swedish MEP Jessica Polfjärd defends Sweden's low smoking rate using snus and nicotine pouches. She warns against overregulation proposed by some EU countries, advocating for safer alternatives to smoking. Polfjärd highlights Sweden's success and urges learning from their model rather than suppressing it. She emphasizes the importance of not restricting adult access to these products. Polfjärd stresses the need to prioritize public health over fear-based policies in tobacco regulations, calling for a shift in Europe's attitude towards snus.

May 09, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Spain faces obstacles in banning nicotine pouches and most vapes as six EU nations present objections, triggering a three-month standstill period for Spain to address concerns on the proposed legislation. If issues are not resolved, implementation may be delayed or blocked. Concerns mainly revolve around EU market rules and the perceived disproportionate limits on nicotine pouches. Spain must either defend the legislation's impact on the internal market or revise it by July 28th to satisfy dissenting countries. The objections are uncommon, with objections typically being minimal in the EU.

May 07, 2025 by the-independent.com

Nicotine pouches, known as "snus," will face tighter regulations in the UK following the distribution of free samples, raising addiction and health concerns. The Scottish Government backs stricter control over these products to limit availability and harm, as discussed in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The legislation aims for a smoke-free generation, addressing new tobacco products like snus. Concerns raised by health experts emphasize the addictive nature and potential health risks of nicotine pouches. The Scottish Government supports incorporating these measures to protect young people from marketing tactics and ensure better control over such products.

May 06, 2025 by brusselstimes.com

Belgium's Foundation Against Cancer launches the 'Buddy Deal' campaign for the fourth year, promoting quitting smoking with a friend following concerns about e-cigarette addiction. The initiative led by actor Mathias Vergels aims to combat anxiety and depression caused by smoking. The campaign encourages participants to join online for support, offering distractions and events. E-cigarettes are also targeted, as bans on disposable vapes and displays are implemented. The initiative emphasizes the importance of health-conscious quitting and mental well-being.

May 05, 2025 by filtermag.org

The UK faces challenges with the upcoming ban on single-use vapes in June, as warnings from various groups indicate a potential surge in the illicit vapes market. Experts criticize the government for being ill-prepared, with concerns ranging from vapers switching back to cigarettes to inadequate enforcement resources. The ban may lead to a boost in the unregulated vapes market, risking harm to consumers. Despite initial reservations, some organizations now cautiously support the ban. However, fears of a thriving black market, criminal enterprises, and violence have emerged. Research shows mixed impacts on vaping behavior, with uncertainty about the ban's overall effectiveness in reducing vaping rates or promoting smoking cessation.