Read articles from Europe

January 27, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu

Germany is set to ban menthol and cooling additives in e-cigarettes to curb their appeal, especially to young users. The decision is based on the belief that these additives make vaping more attractive and potentially more addictive. Critics argue that evidence supporting increased nicotine uptake is lacking, but the government cites the precautionary principle. The ban would impact both e-cigarettes and refill containers, with estimated compliance costs for the industry.

January 27, 2026 by vapingpost.com

Public health authorities are shifting focus to regulations on oral nicotine pouches as smoking rates decline worldwide. The debate centers on harm reduction benefits over past mistakes, such as youth vaping uptake. US FDA approvals for pouches aim to offer less harmful options to adult smokers. Usage remains low but is growing, particularly among younger adults. Concerns about youth uptake persist, prompting calls for stricter regulations. Sweden shows success in reducing smoking with pouch alternatives. Despite oral health risks, innovation in product design aims to minimize harm.

January 22, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu

Government-backed schemes promoting vaping have led to a significant drop in smoking rates across UK, with places like Richmond-upon-Thames achieving a 5.3% smoking rate, close to the national "smoke-free" goal. Richmond's successful Stop Smoking Service, offering free vape kits and assistance, has helped over 178 residents quit smoking in a year. This approach is supported by evidence of vaping being less harmful than cigarettes and an effective quitting aid. Similar successful initiatives, like Swap to Stop in Dorset, have helped thousands switch to vaping, showing health and financial benefits. Quitting smoking can save individuals around £285 monthly.

January 21, 2026 by georgiatoday.ge

Georgia aims to be tobacco-free by 2040 but faces challenges due to increasing use of e-cigarettes. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, consumption rates are high. The Tobacco Control Alliance urges action, emphasizing the need to curb alternative nicotine product use, particularly among the youth. To achieve the tobacco endgame policy, measures include taxing all tobacco equally, joining the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, and implementing plain packaging. Other recommendations involve restricting flavors, raising the legal age for tobacco purchase, and enforcing stricter regulations. Public support for these actions is high, emphasizing the need for political commitment to prioritize public health over tobacco industry interests.

January 21, 2026 by georgiatoday.ge

Georgia aims to be tobacco-free by 2040 but faces challenges due to increasing use of e-cigarettes. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, consumption rates are high. The Tobacco Control Alliance urges action, emphasizing the need to curb alternative nicotine product use, particularly among the youth. To achieve the tobacco endgame policy, measures include taxing all tobacco equally, joining the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, and implementing plain packaging. Other recommendations involve restricting flavors, raising the legal age for tobacco purchase, and enforcing stricter regulations. Public support for these actions is high, emphasizing the need for political commitment to prioritize public health over tobacco industry interests.

January 21, 2026 by medicalxpress.com

A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that smokers who quit with e-cigarettes and continue vaping may reduce the risk of relapse back to smoking. Compared to nicotine replacement therapies, e-cigarette use showed higher effectiveness in helping smokers stay smoke-free. Continuing vaping was associated with lower relapse rates, suggesting it could have a positive health impact. The study highlights the importance of further research to confirm these findings over a longer period.

January 20, 2026 by cyprus-mail.com

Cyprus' unclear regulations on nicotine pouches have created confusion. These pouches lack proper approval for sale, leading to legal issues and public health concerns. Despite potential harm reduction benefits, the inconsistency in regulating these products has left consumers and sellers in a precarious situation. The debate on nicotine pouches, also known as snus, highlights the need for comprehensive legislation to address their sale, composition, and taxation. Failure to establish clear guidelines risks impacting public health, revenue collection, and the prevalence of illicit sales. Addressing these issues through regulation rather than prohibition could provide a more effective solution.

January 19, 2026 by brusselssignal.eu

A leaked compromise proposal from the Cypriot presidency on the EU's Tobacco Excise Directive has faced criticism for undermining harm reduction by discouraging switching to less harmful alternatives. Despite lowering tax rates on vaping and heated tobacco compared to the European Commission’s plan, critics argue the proposal maintains a structure that favors fiscal goals over public health. [...] The World Vapers’ Alliance opposes the proposal, urging member states to reject it and opt for taxation that strongly promotes switching to lower-risk options.

January 16, 2026 by mb.com.ph

A Canadian study reveals that cigarette sales increased post-vape flavor bans, aligning with prior U.S. observations. Such bans, aimed at reducing youth vaping, could lead to smokers switching back to cigarettes. The study showed a significant drop in flavored vape sales alongside a spike in cigarette sales. This trend underscores the substitution effect between the two products. While bans can impact smoking habits, evidence suggests they may not decrease nicotine consumption. Policymakers must weigh the unintended consequences of flavor restrictions, especially in relation to youth and smoking trends.

January 14, 2026 by gfn.tv

Join us for the interview with Martin Cullip as he break down the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill, expected to become law in 2026. He explores the generational smoking ban, vaping and nicotine regulations, and potential impacts on adult users. Learn why nicotine pouches, flavor restrictions, and ministerial powers are sparking debate, and how consumers and harm-reduction advocates can make their voices heard.