Read articles from Europe

January 07, 2026 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

VPZ, the UK’s largest specialist vape retailer dedicated to harm reduction and responsible vaping, has urged MPs returning from their Christmas recess holidays to prioritise the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as one of their first priorities of the New Year. As a start, it says it wants the politicians to confirm a date for its Report Stage as soon as possible.

January 07, 2026 by bbc.com

Schools are struggling with vaping issues, feeling isolated in the battle against student addiction. Teachers report installing vape detectors, deploying extra staff, and altering school grounds to curb vaping. Some students have ended up in hospitals due to spiked vapes. Schools face financial strain and disrupted learning environments. Efforts to tackle vaping include educating students and seeking government support. The World Health Organisation warns of a youth vaping epidemic, with children being nine times more likely to vape than adults. Schools advocate for clearer guidance, parental support, and stricter measures to address the problem. Legislators are urged to act swiftly to prevent long-term consequences of youth vaping.

January 06, 2026 by 2firsts.com

Government officials, in correspondence with 20isPlenty campaigners, acknowledge that nicotine pouches are safer than smoking and a harm reduction tool but warn about their high nicotine content. The campaigners advocate for a 20mg strength cap, strong age limits, and avoiding blanket restrictions. Pouches will be a separate category under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill with restrictions on under-18 sales. The government plans consultations on flavors and ingredients, commissions more research, and aims for evidence-based policy. Campaigners push for a 20mg cap, strict age limits, and enforcement to prevent unintended consequences. The government, while recognizing lower risks, emphasizes concerns about nicotine addiction and plans for further research and regulations.

January 05, 2026 by brusselstimes.com

The European Commission's Safe Hearts Plan aims to protect youth from nicotine harms. Harmonizing regulations on online sales can prevent minors' access. Different EU countries have varying rules on nicotine products, leading to price and availability differences. A ban on cross-border online sales of nicotine products is crucial to uphold tobacco policy goals, prevent illicit trade, secure tax revenues, and support compliant domestic businesses. Norway's upcoming ban sets an example for the EU to follow in the revised Tobacco Products Directive. By implementing this ban, the EU can better protect public health and prevent underage sales effectively.

January 05, 2026 by theguardian.com

Vaping has surpassed smoking in the UK, with concerns rising about its addictive nature. While less harmful than smoking due to lack of combustion, vaping still poses risks, especially for young people. Quitting vaping involves addressing both physical and behavioral components of addiction, with support options such as text messages, medications, and therapy showing promise. To quit successfully, it's crucial to identify triggers, reduce gradually, set limits, consider lower nicotine products, change flavors, manage cravings, seek professional help, and build a support system. For young people, avoiding vaping altogether is advised, with understanding and tailored support essential for cessation.

January 05, 2026 by aol.com

The rising use of cannabis vapes, containing THC, in Bradford poses a threat to youth. Despite being illegal for recreational use, these products were found on sale in the area. A recent raid discovered vapes with pure cannabis at a local off-licence. Concerns were raised about youths being hospitalized due to vaping, as they find it appealing for being odorless and discreet. Some vapes even contained Spice. Authorities discussed the issue during a licensing meeting and emphasized the dangers, including potential overdoses. A shop linked to such activities had its alcohol license revoked. Drug charity Forward Leeds warned about the risks of consuming THC through vaping.

December 29, 2025 by aol.com

Smoking and vaping are public health challenges. Despite anti-smoking efforts in the US, new cigarette users are rising, partly due to celebrities' influence. Vapes were meant to help smokers but turned into a new epidemic with counterfeit products. Nicotine pouches offer a tobacco-free alternative, showing promise. The US should learn from the UK's stricter regulations, raising the legal age for tobacco and proposing a ban on nicotine products for youth. Industry and government collaboration is crucial to prevent youth nicotine use. The focus should be on aiding adult smokers and avoiding creating a new generation of nicotine users. Achieving a tobacco-free world is possible.

December 22, 2025 by theguardian.com

A survey revealed 1 in 8 teenagers aged 14-17 have used nicotine pouches, raising concerns about addiction. Although pouches don’t increase cancer risk, there are worries about nicotine dependence and oral health issues. Most teens obtain them from friends or stores without age restrictions. The UK plans to tighten regulations on sales to minors and decrease appeal through packaging and flavors. Notable brands include Velo, Nordic Spirit, and Zyn, leading to increased warnings from health experts about nicotine's heart and vascular toxicity. While some view pouches as less harmful than cigarettes or vapes, regulations aim to prevent youth addiction. The tobacco and vapes bill will address underage sales to safeguard public health.

December 22, 2025 by filtermag.org

Suely Castro raised the question of our responsibility to science and fairness in promoting safer alternatives like oral snus and nicotine pouches to reduce smoking-related deaths. Events promoting tobacco harm reduction face challenges from skeptics like Clive Bates, who debate the effectiveness of such approaches. Global debates on harm reduction policies, conference restrictions, and the importance of differential taxes on nicotine products were discussed. Experts highlighted the need for open dialogue, consumer input, and tailored approaches to reduce harm effectively. Encouraging a clash of ideas and pragmatic strategies is seen as crucial to saving lives in public health endeavors.

December 22, 2025 by independent.ie

Proposed ban on flavored vapes by the government may hinder smoking cessation efforts for adults while failing to address underage sales concerns. Health Minister's plan could impact thousands benefiting from flavored vapes to quit smoking. Proper regulation on underage sales is suggested as a more effective approach.