Read articles from Europe

February 05, 2025 by vapingpost.com

Spain Sets Strict Vape Bans on Some of Its Most Popular Beaches. Is this a Good Idea?

Spain has relatively high smoking rates and low vaping rates. Yet despite the real-world data indicating that endorsing the use of safer alternatives would reduce smoking rates, Spain sets further restrictions on the products, regulating them in the same way as cigarettes.

February 05, 2025 by filtermag.org

How to Build on Sweden’s “Smoke-Free” Success?

Sweden has reduced smoking rates successfully through innovation, legislation, and consumer empowerment, achieving a smoking rate of 4.5%. The use of snus, a smokeless alternative, and modern nicotine pouches has played a key role. Lessons from Sweden's approach emphasize harm reduction and empowering individuals with better choices. While Sweden has Europe's lowest lung cancer rate, replicating their model globally could save millions of lives. Challenges exist due to bans on snus and nicotine pouches in EU countries, hindering harm reduction efforts. Ensuring access to information about harm and allowing informed choices could lead to further reductions in smoking rates. Sweden's progress continues with tax policies favoring safer nicotine products and aims to phase out cigarettes entirely.

February 03, 2025 by vapingpost.com

Why Are Authorities Ignoring the Smoking Cessation Success Achieved by Vapes?

In the U.S. and across the world, the increase in vaping has led to a significant drop in smoking rates. Sadly, instead of celebrating the fact that most smokers have shifted to using a proven safer alternative, authorities are in most cases just fixating on the increase in vaping.

February 03, 2025 by ecigintelligence.com

France is Next EU Country Poised to Ban Disposable Vapes Amid Regulatory Push

On 23rd January, the joint committee responsible for shaping the legislation approved a bill amending the Code of Public Health to enforce the ban. The bill will be examined by the Senate (upper house of Parliament) during the second week of February.

January 31, 2025 by gfn.tv

GFN News #133 | CAN CONSUMERS HELP SOLVE GERMANY'S FLAVOUR DILEMMA? | Featuring Michael Landl

Germany's lawmakers have recently proposed a new ban on menthol flavours in safer nicotine products, but given that menthol is a key ingredient in over 80% of the flavours currently available on the market, could this proposed ban negatively impact the availability of safer nicotine products for people looking to quit smoking? Joining us today is Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance, to unpack Germany's proposals and the actions consumers are taking to make their voices heard in this debate.

January 31, 2025 by irishmirror.ie

Warning issued by HSE about four specific types of vape sold in Ireland

The HSE warns the public about vapes in Ireland exceeding legal nicotine levels. Four implicated products include ADADA A8, Crystal PRO MAX, Savage Vape, and McKesse MK Bar. Consumers are urged to stop using them, return to the point of purchase, and contact a GP if experiencing adverse effects. Retailers must ensure compliance with legal obligations. If importing from outside the EU, additional notification to the HSE is required. Check if your vape is affected, cease use, and report issues to [email protected]. Consider responsibilities as an importer and ensure products meet safety standards. Join the Irish Mirror for news and exclusive offers.

January 31, 2025 by thejournal.ie

HSE notifies public to stop using four types of vape as EU-wide safety warning issued

The HSE warns against using electronic cigarettes with high nicotine levels, including ADADA A8, The Crystal PRO, Savage Vape, and McKesse MK Bar. Tests showed nicotine concentrations exceeding legal limits. Consumers are advised to check their products, stop using them, and contact the HSE if experiencing adverse effects. Retailers must remove and recall the affected items. An investigation revealed widespread illegal sales of non-compliant vapes, risking public safety. The HSE is conducting further probes into stores selling unlawful products. Over 64 tonnes of illegal vapes were seized to prevent entry into Ireland in the past two years, with penalties imposed on violators.

January 30, 2025 by brusselstimes.com

Over 12,000 'illegal' vapes seized in city centre

Over 12,000 illegal e-cigarettes, including banned disposable vapes, were discovered at the Agora Gallery in Brussels by Public Health Ministry inspection services and police. These findings were made during three recent checks under new Tobacco Plan regulations. Products with excessive nicotine levels and smart vapes were seized, with fines up to €8,000 for traffickers. These dangerous products, hidden professionally, pose health risks, especially to minors. Despite prior seizures, illegal items persist, prompting planned future actions for public health protection, according to Public Health Ministry statements.

January 28, 2025 by daily-pouch.com

Nicotine Pouches Under Attack in Ireland

Paul Crone, from The National Association of Principals in Ireland, raises concerns about nicotine pouches' use. Articles on this topic have surfaced in various media outlets. Misinformation and bias against these products are evident in Ireland due to a misunderstanding of harm reduction. Attempts to regulate underage access to pouches focus on a legal loophole. Jennifer Whitmore advocates for stricter regulations, emphasizing the issue of concealing pouches in schools. However, the real issue lies in broader challenges faced by schools, such as mental health, educational disparities, and teacher shortages. Instead of focusing on minor issues, efforts should prioritize supporting healthier alternatives to smoking.

January 28, 2025 by filtermag.org

Belgium’s Disposable Vapes Ban Could Be First of Many

Belgium banned disposable vapes, citing health concerns and combating tobacco lobby influence. Despite success in decreasing smoking rates, regulations aim to curb potential addiction in youth. The country's stricter vaping laws follow a trend in the EU, with others planning similar measures. Meanwhile, concerns persist about unintended consequences and impact on disadvantaged groups. The EU's Batteries Regulation could further restrict disposable vapes due to their non-compliance. Debate continues on balancing public health goals with harm reduction strategies for smokers transitioning to safer nicotine products.