Read articles from Europe

July 03, 2025 by 2firsts.com

French Standardization Association AFNOR released XP V37-500, a new standard for nicotine pouches in France, allowing only specific ingredients and ≤16.6mg nicotine per pouch. It mandates GMP production, traceability, toxicity assessment, tamper-proof packaging, and ingredient labeling. AFNOR's role ensures national standardization compliance. The standard aligns with UK and Sweden regulations to combat illegal products and protect consumers. BAT France welcomes the standard, emphasizing industry progression and self-regulation efforts to safeguard adult smokers.

July 03, 2025 by ampproject.org

Vicky Unwin's warning against classifying ketamine as Class A stems from her daughter's fatal overdose. She advocates for legal regulation over criminalization of drugs. On the other hand, Dorset's PCC, David Sidwick, supports the move to Class A, citing a need for increased awareness and treatment resources. Ketamine misuse can lead to bladder damage, with a surge in usage among young adults. Parents like Unwin and Anne-Marie Cockburn advocate for harm reduction strategies and better drug education. Despite government concerns and potential reclassification, some feel more action is needed to address the growing drug issue among youth.

July 03, 2025 by irishexaminer.com

The HSE warns against using six mislabeled vapes containing high levels of nicotine. Customers can return them to the store where purchased. Identified products are listed, with nicotine levels up to 30 mg/ml. Retailers are urged to ensure compliance to prevent risks and legal consequences. Irish regulations prohibit vape sales to under-18s and propose further restrictions on vape products, including color and flavor limits. Concerns persist about vaping's impact on smoking rates, prompting ongoing policy reviews. The Public Health Bill aims to curb youth vaping. Legislation was passed to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Tobacco Free Ireland policy is being reviewed to achieve a tobacco-free country.

July 03, 2025 by irishtimes.com

The HSE's NEHS warns the public to avoid e-cigarettes from two brands falsely labeled as nicotine-free. Tests revealed nicotine levels up to 30 mg/ml. Brands include McKesse MK Bar 700 and Bank Box 18000 Puffs in various flavors. Consumers can return them to the store and retailers are asked to halt sales. The HSE will take legal actions to protect public health, including product seizure and prosecutions. Retailers must verify products and suppliers. A recall notice is mandatory for sellers.

July 01, 2025 by eureporter.co

A leaked internal report from the European Commission reveals serious concerns about proposed major tobacco tax hikes across the EU. While the reforms aim to improve public health and raise revenue, the Commission’s own analysis warns of unintended and potentially harmful consequences. The leaked impact assessment, reported by Bild on 12 June 2025, outlines steep excise duty increases—139% on cigarettes, 258% on rolling tobacco, and 1,092% on cigars. Vaping and heated tobacco products would also be taxed for the first time at the EU level. Though expected to generate €15.1 billion annually, the report raises doubts about the overall effectiveness and impact of the plan.

July 01, 2025 by thefirebreak.org

The text discusses the WHO's opposition to harm reduction products like e-cigarettes, misinforming against vaping and failing to support smokers trying to quit tobacco. It highlights the WHO's reliance on activists and foundations funding biased research, impacting their policies. The lack of transparency, refusal to consider scientific evidence, and questionable decision-making regarding a potential nicotine-based vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic are also addressed. The text emphasizes the need for the WHO to reform, address conflicts of interest, prioritize public health over political agendas, and promote responsible behavior.

June 30, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

Nicotine pouches, often misunderstood by the media, play a crucial role in harm reduction in Sweden, particularly helping women quit smoking. Despite higher usage by men, tobacco-free pouches have significantly decreased smoking rates among Swedish women. The product's cleanliness and convenience have made it more appealing to women. In contrast, Jacinda Ardern's opposition to non-tobacco nicotine pouches in New Zealand contradicts her liberal image. The success of such harm reduction methods, as seen in Sweden, highlights the importance of offering products that cater to individuals' needs for a smoke-free future.

June 30, 2025 by swlondoner.co.uk

Vaping's popularity in the UK has soared, with users reaching 5.6 million in 2024. Concerns are rising due to health risks, e-waste, and fires, exemplified by Donna King's experience. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create a smoke-free generation by 2027, as vaping and smoking cost billions. While vaping is seen as less harmful than smoking, the long-term impacts are still under scrutiny. Public awareness and safety measures, like charging precautions, are crucial. Ongoing research will shed light on vaping's full effects on health, safety, and the environment.

June 27, 2025 by brnodaily.com

The Czech Republic has seen a rise in tobacco and nicotine product use, with 27% using them daily in 2024, up from 23% in 2023. Conventional cigarette smoking is decreasing while e-cigarettes and alternative products are gaining popularity, especially among young people aged 15-24. Smoking-related deaths account for about a fifth of all fatalities, with 16,000-18,000 deaths annually and significant economic costs. Availability and marketing strategies contribute to high usage rates, with smoking shortening life expectancy by 10-14 years. The government is discussing addiction policy coordination in response to the changing trends.

June 27, 2025 by weareinnovation.global

The European Union is off track to meet its 2040 smoke-free goal by over 60 years, with only a 1% decline in smoking rates since 2020. Three EU countries – Sweden, Czechia, and Greece – have shown remarkable success in reducing smoking through innovative nicotine products. Sweden leads as a smoke-free pioneer with a 5.4% smoking rate. Czechia achieved the fastest smoking decline in Europe, while Greece reversed high smoking rates. These success stories highlight the effectiveness of differentiated regulation and harm reduction policies. Embracing alternative nicotine products alongside traditional measures can accelerate progress towards smoke-free societies.