Read articles from Europe

August 25, 2025 by scandasia.com

Sweden's successful move towards becoming smoke-free is influencing Asia, particularly the Philippines, where Japan Tobacco International (JTI) introduced nicotine pouches. With only 5.4% daily smokers in Sweden, the country attributes this to strict regulations and alternative options. JTI's Nordic Spirit, produced in Sweden, has gained popularity in the Philippines. JTI focuses on former smokers in Sweden, with positive results. The Philippines' familiarity with oral products made Nordic Spirit well-received. JTI tailored the product for the local market with affordable pricing. This initiative competes with other similar products, signaling a potential shift in global tobacco trends and a new direction for Asian markets.

August 22, 2025 by filtermag.org

The European Union is considering imposing high taxes on safer nicotine products, sparking opposition from tobacco harm reduction advocates and scientists. The plan includes minimum taxes of 40-55% on vaping e-liquids, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products, which critics argue will hinder efforts to reduce smoking rates. Some EU member states, including Portugal, have raised objections to the tax proposal, stating that taxing less harmful smoking alternatives may discourage smokers from switching. Unanimous agreement from all 27 EU nations is needed for the proposal to become law. Critics emphasize the importance of promoting safer nicotine products to achieve the EU's smoke-free goal and warn against the potential negative impact of the tax plan.

August 20, 2025 by euronews.com

Teen vaping is linked to higher risks of smoking, alcohol, and health issues like asthma and poor mental health. Study findings suggested that vaping could lead to these problems, but causation is unclear. Survey data showed an increase in European teens vaping. Experts call for stronger policies to prevent youth addiction to e-cigarettes. Research indicates that vaping can lead youth to start smoking and engage in substance abuse. Health risks like asthma and mental health problems are associated with teenage vaping, with potential harm from transitioning to tobacco cigarettes. Further studies are needed to establish causation.

August 11, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

New Zealand is on the cusp of becoming one of the first countries to go officially smoke-free – and it’s thanks to vaping and other safer nicotine alternatives, according to its Associate Minister of Health.

August 08, 2025 by taxfoundation.org

Tobacco taxes have been a cash cow for governments around the world. World Health Organization (WHO) data suggest that combined annual global taxes on cigarettes are approaching $1 trillion. In many countries, however, cigarette tax collections shrink each year because fewer people smoke. This tremendous win for public health should be a cause for celebration. But for governments that have become (...)

August 07, 2025 by ginn.global

As the European Commission pushes forward on its most ambitious tobacco tax reform in over a decade, Portugal has stepped up as a strong opponent to key elements of the proposal. The sweeping reform, designed to align with the EU’s Beating Cancer Plan and introduce minimum tax levels on novel nicotine products like vapes and pouches, has drawn praise from public health advocates. But it also faces mounting criticism from countries that warn of unintended consequences. At the forefront of this resistance is Portugal, which argues that the proposed tax increases could undercut public health goals, harm national budgets, and fuel illicit trade.

August 06, 2025 by ginn.global

In late July 2025, a national association of Canadian pharmacists firmly rejected proposals to expand nicotine pouch availability beyond pharmacy walls. A government order from the previous year requires that these pouches be sold only behind the counter of licensed pharmacies. Pharmacists oppose relaxing that restriction, arguing that the products require professional oversight and age verification and should not be stocked in general retail stores.

August 04, 2025 by ginn.global

France is at a pivotal moment in determining the future of nicotine pouches, a tobacco-free oral product increasingly used by adult smokers as a lower-risk alternative to cigarettes. In 2024, the French government took a prohibitionist stance, notifying a draft decree that aimed to ban nicotine pouches entirely, including their production, sale, possession, and use. Framed as a youth protection measure, the proposal triggered immediate backlash from scientists, harm reduction advocates, and members of Parliament who viewed the move as excessive and counterproductive.

July 30, 2025 by theguardian.com

Research shows a third of UK teen vapers may take up smoking, similar to peers in the 1970s. E-cigarettes act as a gateway to nicotine cigarettes, threatening the decline in teen smoking rates. The University of Michigan study, published in the Tobacco Control journal, examined intergenerational data from three UK teen cohorts. Factors influencing smoking risks were analyzed, with underage vaping identified as a significant risk for the latest cohort. Despite advancements in tobacco control and changing perceptions, vaping may reverse progress in curbing smoking among youth. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health warns of the harmful effects of nicotine addiction through vaping on young people.

July 30, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

According to Haypp, 23% of UK vape retailers are illegally selling disposable vapes following the ban. Mystery shoppers found violations in various UK cities, with London and Glasgow having the most offenders. Retailers used tactics like selling by the box or accepting cash only to make illegal sales. Concerningly, even high-street stores with online profiles were involved. The company suspects the actual number of violators to be higher. This mirrors the situation in Australia, where a similar ban led to a thriving black market. Haypp suggests stricter inspections and consumer education to ensure compliance with the ban and promote safer alternatives.