Read articles from Europe

February 20, 2025 by tobaccointelligence.com

The European Commission delays revisiting key tobacco directives like TPD, TAD, and TED until at least 2026, despite calls for stricter regulations. Commissioner Hoekstra advocates for tougher measures against smoking and vaping, while industry groups criticize his stance. The World Vapers’ Alliance argues against claims equating vaping to smoking, highlighting its harm reduction potential. Flavor preferences among adult vapers are non-tobacco, with fruit flavors popular. They argue that higher taxes on flavored vapes could deter smokers from switching to safer options. The debate on tobacco and vaping continues, with regulatory changes pending further reviews in the future.

February 18, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com

The World Vapers’ Alliance strongly criticizes Bulgaria's Parliament's decision to ban vaping products, citing lack of evidence and harmful effects on public health. Despite the country's high smoking rates, the ban includes all vaping options, potentially increasing the black market. Director Michael Landl emphasizes the importance of harm reduction tools in reducing smoking-related deaths. The WVA urges the Bulgarian government to reconsider the ban and implement policies supporting smokers in quitting, rather than restricting access to safer alternatives.

February 18, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

The Bulgarian government passed a total vape ban in Parliament's first reading, including import, trade, marketing, and sale of vapes and nicotine-free products. The abrupt decision followed a fatal incident involving a teenager using a vape with an illegal substance. Critics argue the ban was rushed, lacking consultation and may worsen the black market. The legislation also targets the sale of nicotine to children and energy drinks. With Bulgaria facing high smoking rates, the final vote is set for February, aiming to protect youth from harmful substances. Political parties generally support the ban, although there are differing opinions on regulation levels.

February 14, 2025 by entrevue.fr

France has officially banned disposable electronic cigarettes, or "puffs," to reduce ecological impact and discourage use by young people. The Senate's final vote supported the National Assembly's decision, aligning with EU measures. France joins Belgium in this ban, while the UK plans a similar prohibition by June in response to health and environmental concerns.

February 14, 2025 by thenews.com.pk

France's parliament banned single-use e-cigarettes due to concerns about teenage tobacco addiction and environmental impact. The ban follows Belgium's lead in prohibiting pre-filled disposable e-cigarettes. Lawmakers praised the move for protecting schoolchildren's health and the environment. The measure aligns with EU recommendations, aiming to reduce adolescent nicotine consumption and support a tobacco-free generation by 2040.

February 14, 2025 by thenews.com.pk

France's parliament banned single-use e-cigarettes due to concerns about teenage tobacco addiction and environmental impact. The ban follows Belgium's lead in prohibiting pre-filled disposable e-cigarettes. Lawmakers praised the move for protecting schoolchildren's health and the environment. The measure aligns with EU recommendations, aiming to reduce adolescent nicotine consumption and support a tobacco-free generation by 2040.

February 14, 2025 by tobaccoreporter.com

The French parliament has banned single-use electronic cigarettes due to concerns about youth addiction and environmental impact, following a ban enacted by Belgium. Lawmakers highlighted the victory as a win for the environment and children's health. The legislation, authored by Francesca Pasquini, received cross-party support and awaits promulgation for nationwide implementation after approval by both houses of parliament.

February 14, 2025 by france24.com

The French parliament voted to ban disposable e-cigarettes due to concerns about teen nicotine addiction and environmental impact. The bill passed in the Senate, making France the second EU country to implement such a ban after Belgium. Lawmakers emphasized the health risks and environmental harm associated with pre-filled e-cigarettes popular among youth. The legislation is part of broader government efforts to combat smoking, contributing to the EU's goal of a tobacco-free generation by 2040. The ban aims to protect adolescents from the negative effects of nicotine consumption and reduce the overall smoking population in the EU.

February 12, 2025 by regulatorwatch.com

For many within public health, the war on tobacco is over—and the new enemy is nicotine. It’s an uncomfortable pivot, one that requires ignoring what may be the greatest public health achievement of the century: the collapse of smoking rates across the Western world. Instead of celebrating, tobacco control, regulators, and activists have turned their guns on safer nicotine products—demonizing vaping, banning flavors, and destroying small businesses. Joining us today to break down the lies, bans, politics, and betrayal in the war on nicotine are two of the most prolific voices in tobacco harm reduction: Lindsey Stroud, and Martin Cullip from the Taxpayers Protection Alliance out of Washington, D.C.

February 11, 2025 by brusselsreport.eu

EU Commissioner Hoekstra wrongly equates smoking with vaping, risking public health. His push for heavy vape taxation ignores evidence that flavors aid smoking cessation. Harmful policies could drive vapers back to smoking or black markets, profiting tobacco and pharma industries. Vapers must advocate for evidence-based, harm reduction approaches to preserve health gains and choices. Misinformation must be challenged to protect the right to safer alternatives. EU policies should promote accessibility to vaping for public health benefits. Now is the time for vapers to speak up against harmful regulations.