Read articles from Europe

May 26, 2025 by bbc.com

Vapers are panic-buying disposable vapes before a UK ban on June 1, stocking up on their favorite flavors. The ban aims to reduce environmental impact and youth vaping. Concerns arise over the transition to rechargeable vapes, impacting ex-smokers like Baroness Fox. Retailers worry about losing customers to cigarettes post-ban. A poll reveals vapers' intentions post-ban, with some planning to stockpile or go back to smoking. Small businesses, heavily reliant on disposable vapes, fear losses. Despite regulations, vapers question the ban's effectiveness and accessibility of alternatives.

May 26, 2025 by spectator.co.uk

In a week, the UK will ban disposable vapes, a policy supported by politicians from different parties. While hailed as a moment of unity, it is seen as a policy disaster. Despite claims of a surge in youth vaping, a study revealed a less dramatic increase mainly among young adults, not children. The ban overlooks the positive impact of vapes in helping smokers quit, as seen in personal experiences like quitting a daily smoking habit.

May 22, 2025 by thejournal.ie

Research shows most teenage vapers had not smoked cigarettes before starting. The average age for starting e-cigarettes was 14. The study by the TobaccoFree Research Institute of Ireland revealed 76% of e-cig users had never tried traditional cigarettes first. While overall smoking rates are down, 13% of 16-year-old girls still smoke. Additionally, 36% had tried a nicotine product, and 24% admitted to trying smoking. Alcohol consumption among 15 to 16-year-olds has decreased, with two-thirds ever trying it and 28% ever getting drunk. The study highlights a rise in alternative tobacco products among teenagers.

May 22, 2025 by luxtimes.lu

A survey in Luxembourg showed a decrease in smoking rates, with 23% of residents smoking in 2024 compared to 27% in 2023. Concerns remain about the rising popularity of alternative nicotine products among young people, such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. The Cancer Foundation calls for regulations to protect youth from these products. High levels of passive smoking were also highlighted. Efforts to help residents quit smoking are increasing, with 46% expressing a desire to quit, rising to 62% among 16- to 24-year-olds. A support campaign coinciding with World No Tobacco Day aims to assist those wanting to quit.

May 22, 2025 by thr101.org

Despite joining the FCTC in 2004, Hungary has only seen a slight decrease in smoking rates over two decades. Recent adoption of harm reduction products like heated tobacco has led to significant reductions in cigarette consumption. The WHO's skepticism despite scientific evidence hinders progress. Illicit cigarette trade is growing due to bans on flavored HTPs. Hungary needs to consider the efficacy of harm reduction at COP11 to address the limitations of traditional anti-smoking policies.

May 22, 2025 by polskieradio.pl

Poland passed an amendment to its tobacco control law, gaining wide support. The new legislation bans remote sales, advertising, and minor's access to nicotine-free products. It includes restrictions on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouch sales in specific locations and aligns rules for vaping devices. The bill now awaits Senate review. An additional package may ban more products, pending EU approval.

May 22, 2025 by tvpworld.com

Poland’s lower house of parliament has approved a bill banning the sale of all types of vapes to minors, including disposable and reusable e-cigarettes, regardless of nicotine content. The bill, which received strong support with 417 votes in favor, now moves to the Senate and, if approved, will go to the president for signing. This ban is part of wider reforms to Poland’s tobacco and vaping laws, aiming to better protect young people from nicotine addiction and related health risks, as previous legislation did not address newer nicotine products.

May 19, 2025 by consideratepouchers.org

A recent policy paper by the World Vapers Alliance challenges the WHO's approach to tobacco control, promoting nicotine pouches and vaping as effective tools to combat smoking. The paper criticizes the outdated "quit or die" strategy and advocates for a risk-proportionate regulatory model based on scientific evidence. Nicotine pouches, deemed safer, are gaining traction in harm reduction efforts. Successful implementations in Sweden contrast with Canada's restrictive policies, leading to a black market. The paper proposes policy reforms to prioritize harm reduction and urges global action towards safer alternatives. The Considerate Pouchers community supports this initiative, emphasizing the role of nicotine pouches in smoking cessation and improved public health.

May 15, 2025 by spectator.co.uk

In Europe, the Nanny State Index shows Turkey leading in strict regulations, banning vapes and heavily taxing alcohol. Lithuania follows with harsh restrictions on alcohol and e-cigarettes. Ireland prices cigarettes exorbitantly and controls supermarket choices for citizens. Finland and Hungary also have restrictive policies. Overall, the trend in Europe is towards increased state control over personal freedoms regarding eating, drinking, and smoking.

May 15, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

New research shows the UK significantly underestimates smoking rates by not including vulnerable groups in surveys. Including hidden populations like those in care facilities and homelessness increases smoking prevalence from 12.9% to 14.5-14.8%. Despite this, government policies hinder harm reduction efforts, such as banning ads for safer alternatives and imposing high vape taxes. Such measures can prevent smokers, especially in marginalized communities, from switching to less harmful options. The UK's goal of being smoke-free by 2030 seems unattainable with current restrictions. Increasing access to safer alternatives and building trust through regulation is crucial for effective smoking cessation strategies.