Read articles from Europe

June 11, 2025 by nltimes.nl

Doctors from LUMC, the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, and Rookpreventie Jeugd are threatening legal action against Snapchat over the illegal sale of flavored vapes. The lawyers demand that Snapchat block vape-related content within two weeks, citing European regulations. The sale of flavored vapes is illegal in the Netherlands, but their circulation, especially among minors, persists. Snapchat responded by stating their prohibition of illegal activities and use of detection technology. The doctors aim to protect children and may escalate the issue to authorities if demands are not met. Discussions continue on the platform's responsibilities and potential solutions to combat illegal vape sales.

June 10, 2025 by ft.com

Sales growth of e-cigarettes is slowing down in both the US and UK, raising doubts about earlier predictions that vaping would overtake smoking and support the tobacco industry. British American Tobacco expects a mid-teens percentage decline in global vape sales in the first half of the year. In the US, regulated e-cigarette sales have dropped almost every month for the past two years, while in the UK, vaping rates have stagnated.

June 10, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Bulgaria is considering a full ban on all vapes pending approval from Brussels, sparking concerns among harm reduction advocates. The legislation, backed by 197 MPs, also targets energy drinks marketed to minors. Lead sponsor Professor Kostadin Angelov suggests the ban may focus on disposable vapes for quicker implementation due to regulatory obstacles. The European Commission must be notified due to potential trade impacts. Smoke Free Sweden opposes the ban, cautioning against hindering tobacco harm reduction efforts in Europe, as it may push ex-smokers back to smoking.

June 10, 2025 by europeaninterest.eu

France's anti-tobacco policy, with high taxes and bans on safer quitting tools, is ineffective. Around 75,000 people annually die due to tobacco, costing €150 billion. The policy lacks public trust, pushing 1 in 4 French to buy cigarettes illegally. This distrust stems from taxes seen as money grabs. France needs harm reduction programs, truthful messaging, and evaluation beyond tax gains. Hoekstra's EU-wide tax proposal risks expanding failed policies. Sensible changes are necessary to combat smoking effectively. France must shift from punitive measures to supportive strategies promoting healthier choices for smokers.

June 09, 2025 by lenews.ch

Switzerland's upper house voted to ban disposable e-cigarettes, or vapes, due to health concerns and their appeal to young people. Despite initial opposition, the ban aims to combat rising nicotine consumption and environmental impact. Switzerland follows other European countries and Swiss cantons in regulating vape sales. Critics warn of potential loopholes with reusable vapes becoming the next trend.

June 09, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

A poll shows 18% of disposable vape users may return to smoking after the ban. Yorkshire Cancer Research urges the government to keep vapes accessible for smoking cessation, especially for disadvantaged communities. Evidence supports vaping for quitting, with vaping alone helping 79% quit, surpassing other methods. Public misconceptions about vaping's harm may hinder progress against smoking-related cancers. Despite the ban, many vapers plan to switch to refillables or other nicotine products. Yorkshire Cancer Research supports regulating vape product displays in stores to protect children but emphasizes the need for accurate public messaging on vaping's lower risks compared to smoking.

June 05, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Global health expert Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos advocates for governments to embrace safer nicotine products, emphasizing that combustion, not nicotine, causes smoking-related deaths. He highlights Sweden's success in reducing smoking rates through alternatives like snus and e-cigarettes. Dr. Farsalinos stresses the importance of flavors in aiding smoking cessation and warns against banning them. He urges policymakers to prioritize evidence-based regulations and support smokers in switching to safer options. Countries like New Zealand and the UK have seen significant reductions in smoking rates due to vaping. On World Vape Day, Dr. Farsalinos urges a shift towards science-based approaches to make nicotine consumption safer and save lives.

June 05, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

The Irish government and media are creating a hostile environment for vaping, prompting consideration of nicotine pouches as an alternative. Ireland's transformative relationship with the EU faced challenges during the financial crisis, revealing issues with the union's governance. Vaping policies align with broader EU/WHO initiatives against harm reduction, with restrictions harming public health efforts. The government's failure to support vaping led citizens to seek alternative solutions. Nicotine pouches could offer a harm reduction option, though government regulation poses a threat. Advocates urge Irish vapers to explore this alternative and prepare for potential regulatory battles. Misguided anti-vaping sentiments hinder public health progress, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making and advocacy.

June 04, 2025 by imt.ie

Smoking is a major health issue among young adult men in Ireland, with high prevalence rates leading to preventable diseases and mortality. Despite a decline, smoking remains more common among men, particularly aged 25-34. Men face barriers to quitting like perceived invulnerability and social influences. Smoking increases risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, and reproductive issues. Pharmacological options like NRT, varenicline, bupropion, and cytisine are effective, with NRT available through the HSE. Behavioral interventions and support, such as counseling and digital tools, are crucial for cessation success. Combining pharmacological and behavioral support improves quitting rates. A comprehensive approach tailored to young men is essential for successful smoking cessation in Ireland.

June 04, 2025 by ethra.co

Scientists and public health experts advocate for EU tax policies supporting safer alternatives to smoking, like nicotine products, to reduce harm. Concerns were raised over potential tax hikes on these products. ETHRA, representing millions of European consumers, refuted claims that vaping is as harmful as smoking. Inaccurate information from EU policymakers was criticized. Increasing prices of safer alternatives could hinder efforts to make Europe tobacco-free by 2040. Commissioner Hoekstra's comments on vaping were disputed. Science, not misinformation, should shape tobacco policies. Expert-backed concerns were outlined in a letter to the EU Commission.