Read articles from Europe

October 21, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Belgium's ex-Health Minister Franck Vandenbroucke will lead a seminar on vaping at the WHO conference in November. He criticizes vaping as dangerous and aims to eliminate it globally. Despite strict tobacco controls in Belgium, smoking rates stagnate at 21%, with new bans on nicotine pouches and disposable vapes creating a thriving black market. Vandenbroucke plans to involve ministers worldwide in the seminar, but the public's role remains unclear. Efforts to reduce smoking without new policies have proven ineffective, with reports of ongoing sales of banned products in Belgium.

October 21, 2025 by filtermag.org

Ireland will implement a tax of €0.50 per milliliter on all vaping e-liquids, becoming the highest in the EU. The government aims to further restrict vape products and flavors, despite missing smoke-free targets. Advocates argue that high vape taxes hinder smoking cessation efforts, especially as vapes were aiding in reducing smoking rates. The tax is viewed as counterproductive, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals and leading to a potential rise in smoking and black-market product use. While the government cites youth protection and reducing accessibility, critics believe it penalizes smokers trying to quit. The tax contradicts evidence showing affordable vape access aids in smoking cessation.

October 17, 2025 by theguardian.com

Experts argue that cigarette filters are ineffective, worsen plastic pollution, and should be banned by the UK government to protect public health and the environment. Filters don't reduce harm, mislead users, and contribute to plastic waste. Despite a declining number of smokers, misconceptions about filter benefits persist. An upcoming bill aims to raise the legal smoking age, offering a chance to further regulate tobacco products. Emphasizing the need for public education to debunk filter myths, the call is to ban filters due to their harmful effects and deceptive tactics by the tobacco industry.

October 17, 2025 by telegrafi.com

The EU is considering banning filtered cigarettes and e-cigarettes to reduce tobacco use. A draft law by the EU Council suggests prohibiting cigarette sales in shops, petrol stations, and kiosks. The proposal, to be discussed at a WHO meeting in November, follows WHO recommendations to eliminate filters to make cigarettes less appealing. The ban aims to reduce tobacco consumption and protect the environment and human health. Additionally, the EU is exploring a generational ban and tightening smoking regulations. Compliance with anti-smoking laws varies across EU countries, with some showing strong enforcement while others have weaker compliance.

October 15, 2025 by filtermag.org

The UK government seeks expert input on achieving smoke-free status by 2030, with a focus on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill limiting smoking and imposing regulations on retailers. Concerns arise over potential impact on harm reduction access and the balance between youth protection and vape usability. Critics question if evidence contradicts government intentions while a licensing scheme aims to prevent rogue retailers. Debate surrounds potential effects on responsible retailers and concerns that limitation of vape shops could harm public health. Calls for evidence also raise worries about the government's stance on harm reduction. The "Pride in Place" program allows communities to restrict vape shops, sparking concerns over potential stigma.

October 14, 2025 by snusforumet.se

The leaked EU document reveals plans for strict regulations or bans on smoke-free nicotine products, potentially leading to a ban on nicotine pouches. The EU's stance is criticized for disregarding harm reduction and equating all nicotine use with smoking. The move could eliminate safer options and drive users back to cigarettes. Concerns arise over the impact on public health and potential EU-wide bans. This marks a departure from science-based policies and could hinder efforts to reduce smoking rates. Additionally, upcoming EU tobacco tax revisions may further restrict access to safer alternatives. Critics argue that the EU is prioritizing regulation over effective smoking reduction strategies, despite success stories like Sweden's low lung cancer rates due to smoke-free alternatives.

October 14, 2025 by brusselssignal.eu

Sweden's successful anti-smoking approach, with low smoking-related cancer deaths and snus use, contrasts Brussels' upcoming Tobacco Plan. The EU targets a total ban on tobacco products, including harm-reduction items like e-cigarettes and snus, going against industry trends. Philip Morris bought Swedish Match for €14.62 billion, reflecting a shift towards safer nicotine products. Despite Sweden's model reducing cancer rates, Brussels rejects this, proposing updated tobacco taxes and regulations. The EU aims to modernize tobacco taxation laws, considering new products like e-cigarettes in the revised directive effective from 2028. Sweden's opposition to these changes highlights the ongoing tension between national approaches and EU policies.

October 13, 2025 by vapingpost.com

A leaked EU draft proposes treating non-combustible nicotine products like vapes and heated tobacco the same as cigarettes, causing concern for harm reduction progress. The document suggests labeling these products as addictive "gateways," potentially leading to bans and restrictions that disregard harm reduction evidence. Sweden challenges EU bans on nicotine pouches, emphasizing their public health benefits. Critics argue the EU's approach could hinder efforts to reduce smoking-related harm, opposing proven strategies like those in Sweden, Japan, and the UK. Public health advocates call for science-based policies and raise alarm over a potential EU-wide prohibition, warning against ignoring harm reduction in favor of outdated ideology.

October 10, 2025 by bbc.com

BAT's UK and Ireland boss advocates for a "very strict" marketing framework to encourage smokers to switch to vapes. While the UK opposes further vape marketing, BAT sees advertising as essential for informing smokers about alternatives. The company's focus on closed vaping systems aims to reduce smoking rates. Despite concerns over vaping's long-term effects, it's considered less harmful than smoking. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to restrict advertising and underage sales to achieve a smoke-free generation. BAT opposes the bill's restrictions and argues for looser advertising rules and more penalties for underage sales. Ertonguc believes these measures will have a bigger impact on reducing smoking rates than the government's current legislation.

October 10, 2025 by independent.co.uk

The Government plans to introduce licensing for shops selling vapes and tobacco to combat rogue traders targeting children. The licensing aims to shut down illicit operators and support legitimate retailers, with fines for rule breakers. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will also ban advertising, regulate flavors, and restrict where products are displayed. The move aims to protect children and curb youth vaping. Various organizations, including ASH and IBVTA, support evidence-based regulations. Local councils seek a balanced licensing system to safeguard youth without burdening responsible retailers.