Read articles from Europe

June 16, 2025 by dawn.com

The text discusses the rise of vaping in Pakistan, with shops selling e-cigarettes targeted at adults but attracting young users with fruity flavors. Despite claims of being safer than cigarettes, health experts remain cautious due to unknown long-term effects. The tobacco industry is pivoting towards nicotine products, leading to concerns about addiction and access to underage users. Weak regulations in Pakistan allow for a thriving market, while global concerns about the environmental impact of disposable vapes are also highlighted. The narrative questions the true safety of vaping, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns to prevent a potential health crisis.

June 13, 2025 by croatiaweek.com

Croatia's Government raised excise duties on tobacco products while introducing a new tax on e-cigarette liquids from July 1, 2025. The changes include higher taxes on cigarettes, fine-cut tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, heated tobacco, and e-liquids. Cigarette excise duty increased to €56.10 per 1,000 cigarettes, with other tobacco products also facing tax hikes. Notably, e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes will now be taxed at €0.20 per millilitre. These adjustments are projected to generate an extra €74.7 million for the state budget and have public health benefits.

June 12, 2025 by irishexaminer.com

Research in Ireland shows higher smoking cessation rates after the introduction of free nicotine replacement therapy. The study found that access to free NRT led to 41% of smokers quitting after four weeks, compared to 29% when it was not free. The findings suggest the benefits of providing free NRT to smokers. The study also noted an increase in NRT uptake and identified groups, such as women and long-term smokers, benefitting from the free therapy. The results highlight the importance of universal NRT access in promoting successful smoking cessation and call for equitable access on an international scale to combat smoking-related deaths.

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 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.