Read articles from Europe

May 14, 2025 by bizcommunity.com

With South Africa considering new tobacco control laws, global health experts, including Quit Like Sweden, emphasize the success of harm reduction strategies in Sweden and New Zealand with low-risk alternatives like nicotine pouches and vaping. These approaches have dramatically reduced smoking rates and related deaths. Advocates urge South Africa to prioritize adult access to safer options to replicate this success and improve public health outcomes. Policymakers are encouraged to learn from successful international models and create a distinction between harmful tobacco products and safer alternatives. Ultimately, the focus is on saving lives through evidence-based approaches.

May 13, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

European Commissioner Hoekstra plans to propose higher taxes on safer nicotine products, aiming for implementation by summer. The proposal includes raising prices on nicotine pouches by over 50% and adding €3 to a 10ml bottle of vaping liquid. Hoekstra is reaching out to national officials for support, targeting countries resistant to the tax hike. While some Commission members question the economic timing, Hoekstra remains adamant against nicotine products, claiming vapes are as harmful as cigarettes. Climate change policy also falls under Hoekstra's jurisdiction, sparking criticism for prioritizing vaping taxes over environmental issues. Resistance from Member States and skepticism within the Commission may hinder the tax plan approval.

May 13, 2025 by irishexaminer.com

The HSE warns against three vapes falsely labeled as "no nicotine," containing high nicotine levels. Products include Crystal Bling 6000+, McKesse MK Bar 7000, and JNR Crystal Pro Max 5000+. Consumers feeling unwell should contact a GP and notify HSE via [email protected]. The vapes exceed permitted nicotine concentrations and liquid volumes, risking consumer safety. HSE emphasizes retailers' responsibility in verifying product compliance to prevent harm and legal breaches. Distributors and importers are advised to ensure proper safety, quality, and labeling of e-cigarettes. Retailers importing from non-EU countries must comply with regulations. Vigilance in product checks is crucial to protect public health, HSE emphasizes.

May 12, 2025 by snusforumet.se

Swedish MEP Jessica Polfjärd defends Sweden's low smoking rate using snus and nicotine pouches. She warns against overregulation proposed by some EU countries, advocating for safer alternatives to smoking. Polfjärd highlights Sweden's success and urges learning from their model rather than suppressing it. She emphasizes the importance of not restricting adult access to these products. Polfjärd stresses the need to prioritize public health over fear-based policies in tobacco regulations, calling for a shift in Europe's attitude towards snus.

May 09, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Spain faces obstacles in banning nicotine pouches and most vapes as six EU nations present objections, triggering a three-month standstill period for Spain to address concerns on the proposed legislation. If issues are not resolved, implementation may be delayed or blocked. Concerns mainly revolve around EU market rules and the perceived disproportionate limits on nicotine pouches. Spain must either defend the legislation's impact on the internal market or revise it by July 28th to satisfy dissenting countries. The objections are uncommon, with objections typically being minimal in the EU.

May 07, 2025 by the-independent.com

Nicotine pouches, known as "snus," will face tighter regulations in the UK following the distribution of free samples, raising addiction and health concerns. The Scottish Government backs stricter control over these products to limit availability and harm, as discussed in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The legislation aims for a smoke-free generation, addressing new tobacco products like snus. Concerns raised by health experts emphasize the addictive nature and potential health risks of nicotine pouches. The Scottish Government supports incorporating these measures to protect young people from marketing tactics and ensure better control over such products.

May 06, 2025 by brusselstimes.com

Belgium's Foundation Against Cancer launches the 'Buddy Deal' campaign for the fourth year, promoting quitting smoking with a friend following concerns about e-cigarette addiction. The initiative led by actor Mathias Vergels aims to combat anxiety and depression caused by smoking. The campaign encourages participants to join online for support, offering distractions and events. E-cigarettes are also targeted, as bans on disposable vapes and displays are implemented. The initiative emphasizes the importance of health-conscious quitting and mental well-being.

May 05, 2025 by filtermag.org

The UK faces challenges with the upcoming ban on single-use vapes in June, as warnings from various groups indicate a potential surge in the illicit vapes market. Experts criticize the government for being ill-prepared, with concerns ranging from vapers switching back to cigarettes to inadequate enforcement resources. The ban may lead to a boost in the unregulated vapes market, risking harm to consumers. Despite initial reservations, some organizations now cautiously support the ban. However, fears of a thriving black market, criminal enterprises, and violence have emerged. Research shows mixed impacts on vaping behavior, with uncertainty about the ban's overall effectiveness in reducing vaping rates or promoting smoking cessation.

May 02, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

EU governments are imposing stricter regulations on nicotine pouches, with Spain proposing a 0.99 mg limit, potentially hampering free movement of goods. Sweden challenges this move, citing EU laws. Precedents like the Cassis de Dijon case and the German Beer Purity Law indicate that such restrictions may violate EU trade laws. Spain's proposal lacks scientific basis, leaning towards de facto bans. The arbitrary limit may face legal obstacles based on past rulings, emphasizing EU principles on free trade. The EU must intervene to ensure fair market access and support safer alternatives for smokers in Spain.

May 01, 2025 by vapingpost.com

Consumer groups and vaping advocates in Europe oppose Greece's plan to ban flavoured e-cigarettes, fearing it will harm harm reduction efforts. They argue that flavours help smokers switch to safer options and caution against unintended consequences seen in Denmark. The ban risks driving former smokers back to cigarettes and the black market. Data shows adult vapers prefer flavoured products. Experts recommend science-based regulations that protect public health while supporting harm reduction. In Denmark, a ban on vape flavours unintentionally increased youth use and spurred illegal sales. Critics warn against over-regulation and point to Sweden's harm reduction success. Research confirms flavoured vapes aid smoking cessation. Advocates call for evidence-based policies to safeguard gains in public health.