Read articles from Europe

November 07, 2024 by thediplomat.com

Kyrgyzstan's parliament passed a law banning e-cigarettes to protect youth health, but excluded heated tobacco products. Concerns exist regarding lobbying influence, legislative changes, and press freedom restrictions. Disparities in fines and corruption risks were raised by Deputy Bekeshev and Surabaldieva. The law enforces strict penalties, impacting the budget, potentially boosting illicit markets, and leading to regulatory violations. Major players can still manufacture for export, with debate over potential monopolization and WTO compliance. The influence of tobacco companies is highlighted, impacting legislative decisions.

November 07, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Sweden is close to becoming the first 'smoke-free' country, with a smoking rate of 5.6%. Utilizing snus and vaping, the nation reduced smoking by 55% in a decade, far ahead of the EU average. Despite success, most EU countries overlook the benefits of harm-reducing alternatives. Sweden's proactive measures and reduced tax on snus have led to significantly lower tobacco-related deaths, outperforming the EU. In contrast, countries like Australia and Brazil facing strict vaping bans struggle with a surge in illegal trade. EU countries lacking accessible alternatives have seen minimal decline in smoking rates, underlining Sweden's progressive approach to public health.

November 06, 2024 by hurriyetdailynews.com

A Dutch court has upheld the government's ban on sweet flavors for e-cigarettes, stating they attract young people to smoke. British American Tobacco's appeal against the ban was rejected. The court deemed the flavor ban lawful due to e-cigarettes' harmfulness and appeal to youth. The argument that the ban hinders smoking cessation efforts was dismissed, as e-cigarettes with tobacco flavor remain available. This decision allows smokers to switch to tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes under the ban.

November 06, 2024 by barrons.com

A Dutch court upheld the government’s ban on sweet flavors for e-cigarettes on Wednesday, citing their appeal to young people and the associated health risks. British American Tobacco (BAT) had challenged the ban, claiming it infringed on the free movement of goods and could deter smokers from switching to e-cigarettes as a quitting aid. The court rejected BAT's arguments, stating that tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes are still available, allowing smokers to continue using e-cigarettes to quit traditional smoking within the restrictions.

November 06, 2024 by adamsmith.org

Cancer Research UK doubts the UK's 2030 smoke-free goal is achievable, foreseeing a likely target year of 2039 due to slow decline in smoking rates. Concerns arise over the impact of the government's tax on e-liquids and proposed regulations on harm reduction products. Disparities in smoking prevalence between different socioeconomic groups are highlighted, underscoring the urgency to bridge the deprivation gap. Solutions like affordability, access to disposable vapes, and appealing flavors are advocated. The text proposes enforcing existing laws, implementing a vape licensing scheme, and a deposit return system for recycling, criticizing current tax and prohibition approaches. Encouraging a market-driven strategy could better aid in achieving smoke-free goals.

November 06, 2024 by gfn.tv

While the Czech Republic is introducing new measures to regulate psychoactive substances according to risk, the government is also considering harsher restrictions for safer alternatives to smoking. Filip Blaha of the Institute of Liberal Studies joins Joanna Junak to explain the proposals.

November 06, 2024 by aol.co.uk

Proposed legislation for a smoke-free generation plans to raise the legal smoking age gradually, with an indoor smoking ban extension and vape restrictions. Disposable vapes will be banned by 2025. The bill aims to save lives, protect children, and reduce healthcare costs. Past proposals were reintroduced by the government and supported by health officials and cancer prevention advocates. The bill is considered groundbreaking and essential for public health. Suggestions to ban smoking in outdoor areas were discussed. The NHS supports cessation services, while tobacco-related cancers have increased. The legislation is seen as crucial to prevent future health issues and create a healthier society and economy.

November 06, 2024 by rcp.ac.uk

The RCP supports the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to end smoking. They praise the licensing scheme and restrictions on vapes to protect young people. The Bill aims to extend smoke-free areas, safeguarding public health. The RCP urges MPs to back this legislation to save lives and improve public health.

November 01, 2024 by yle.fi

The Finnish government has announced plans to gradually increase tobacco taxes six times over the next few years, ultimately raising the price of a pack of cigarettes to over 13 euros. The first tax hike took effect on Friday, with further increases planned twice a year until July 2027, totaling a 27.1% rise. The government expects to generate about 100 million euros from these increases, which will apply to cigarettes, loose tobacco, pipe tobacco, cigars, and cigarillos, but not to nicotine pouches or e-cigarette liquids. Tobacco companies may stockpile products in advance, so the price impact might be delayed until existing stock is sold.

November 01, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

The French government plans to ban nicotine pouches due to concerns over underage use and high nicotine content. Health Minister Genevieve Darrieussecq stated that the ban targets products marketed to young people. Nicotine companies promote pouches as safer than cigarettes, but Darrieussecq warns of addiction risks, especially among youth. Advocates for tobacco harm reduction criticize the ban, arguing that it eliminates a safer alternative for smokers. However, doubts exist about the ban's effectiveness, as seen in Germany where similar products remain popular despite being officially banned.