Read articles from Europe

November 07, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com

EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi discussed plans at the FILTERED Conference to increase taxation and regulations on nicotine products like vaping. The conference, funded by the EU, is run by a group advocating for strict rules on vaping, raising concerns of conflicts of interest. The group also pushes to exclude industry representatives and consumers from policy discussions. The EU Commission aims to tighten controls on tobacco, vaping, unhealthy foods, and alcohol. However, restricting less harmful alternatives may not align with evidence or promote harm reduction. A balanced approach should prioritize access to less harmful options, accurate information, and proportional regulation that respects adult choice and democratic participation.

November 07, 2025 by vejpkollen.se

The EU faces a battle over smokeless nicotine products ahead of the WHO summit on the tobacco convention. Sweden and other countries advocate for snus and e-cigarettes to reduce smoking, opposing the European Commission's strict regulation approach almost like a ban. The Commission's stance surprises as countries resist, fearing a potential ban on popular products like nicotine pouches. History reflects similar past clashes over e-cigarettes. Lobbying intensifies for a ban through the WHO Convention, but pragmatic countries like Sweden challenge the Commission. Threats of bans on flavors in e-liquids and nicotine pouches loom. The closed-door WHO meeting on November 17-22 may shape future EU tobacco policies amid transparency concerns.

November 07, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Despite a ban in the UK, disposable vapes are openly sold, with a new investigation revealing ongoing challenges in enforcing regulations. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is undergoing detailed scrutiny in the House of Lords to regulate tobacco and vaping sales. Illicit single-use vapes were found in Brighton, indicating a struggle with enforcement despite seizures. The ban aimed to reduce youth vaping and environmental harm but may inadvertently fuel an illicit market. Responsible retailers have adapted to the ban, promoting reusable products. The bill aims for a smoke-free generation and stricter regulations, while industry experts stress the need for better enforcement and standards.

November 06, 2025 by natcen.ac.uk

A study in the UK examined young people's views and use of nicotine pouches, with findings showing high awareness and experimental use, especially among boys. School staff were largely unaware of the pouches. The research recommends enforcing restrictions on sales to under 18s, and regulating marketing and packaging to protect youth. Older boys were found to use pouches discreetly, with reports of adverse effects from users, including gum pain and sickness. The study involved 16 focus groups and interviews with school staff, conducted in Scotland by the Scottish Centre for Social Research. The data highlighted the need for stricter regulation on nicotine pouches to safeguard the well-being of young people.

November 05, 2025 by independent.co.uk

The number of vapers in Britain now exceeds traditional cigarette smokers, with 10% of adults using e-cigarettes compared to 9.1% smoking. In 2024, 10% of women vape, up from 8.5% in 2023, while the proportion among men dropped to 10.1%. Vaping is highest among 16-24-year-olds at 13%, decreasing from 15.8%. Daily e-cigarette use increased to 6.7% in 2024. Additionally, 2.7% of vapers have never smoked. This shift marks a significant change from a decade ago when smoking rates were higher.

November 05, 2025 by bbc.com

In Great Britain, more adults now use vapes than smoke cigarettes for the first time according to the Office for National Statistics. Daily vape use is popular among 25-49 year olds, with increasing numbers of women vaping. Vaping has fewer risks than smoking, but long-term effects are uncertain. Health experts advise against vaping for non-smokers and children. Although smoking rates have decreased, there are still concerns about addiction and its impact on public health. Government measures have contributed to reducing smoking rates, with ongoing efforts to support communities with high smoking rates. Legislation is being introduced to restrict tobacco sales to those born after 2009.

November 04, 2025 by europeanconservative.com

The European Commission advocates a ban on cigarette filters and e-cigarettes, aligning with WHO directives. This move extends centralized power and fiscal control, overshadowing Member States' sovereignty. The proposal, driven by environmental and health concerns, masks a fiscal control agenda, enabling Brussels to appropriate national tax revenues. NGOs, funded by the Commission, amplify WHO policies, tightening the grip on EU legislation. The regulation would detrimentally impact European tobacco producers and erode subsidiarity principles. It contrasts with successful national policies like Sweden's. The push for global regulations contradicts von der Leyen's promises of economic freedom. Upholding health and freedom necessitates independent legislative decision-making and transparency in NGO funding.

November 04, 2025 by europeanconservative.com

The European Commission advocates a ban on cigarette filters and e-cigarettes, aligning with WHO directives. This move extends centralized power and fiscal control, overshadowing Member States' sovereignty. The proposal, driven by environmental and health concerns, masks a fiscal control agenda, enabling Brussels to appropriate national tax revenues. NGOs, funded by the Commission, amplify WHO policies, tightening the grip on EU legislation. The regulation would detrimentally impact European tobacco producers and erode subsidiarity principles. It contrasts with successful national policies like Sweden's. The push for global regulations contradicts von der Leyen's promises of economic freedom. Upholding health and freedom necessitates independent legislative decision-making and transparency in NGO funding.

November 04, 2025 by independent.ie

Tax hikes in Ireland, doubling vape prices, concern addicts quitting cigarettes and impact smokers. The Department of Health targets youth vaping but faces backlash. Irish Heart Foundation supports tax due to rising youth vaping rates. Vape shop owners fear black market growth and loss of adult customers. UK plans similar vape tax next year. Responsible Vaping Ireland backs the tax for public health. Enforcement and restrictions on flavors and sales are proposed. Vape shops foresee challenges in compliance and business sustainability amid rising prices.

November 04, 2025 by bbc.com

Vaping surpasses smoking in the UK, with 5.4 million adults using vapes compared to 4.9 million smoking cigarettes in 2024. Daily vape use is popular among 25-49-year-olds and rising among women. The NHS states vaping poses fewer risks than smoking due to fewer harmful chemicals. Currently, 10% of UK adults use e-cigarettes, slightly more than smokers. Efforts to reduce smoking include bans on indoor smoking, smoking in cars with children, plain cigarette packaging, and future legislation prohibiting tobacco sales to those born after 2009. Concerns about vapes appealing to children have led to plans for stricter packaging rules. Usage among 16-24-year-olds has slightly decreased from 2023.