Read articles from Europe

October 27, 2025 by kathimerini.com.cy

Cyprus teens are vaping heavily with 11% of 16-year-olds using e-cigarettes daily, marking one of Europe's highest rates. Cannabis remains the top illegal substance, while cocaine is on the rise, and offline gambling is popular. Alcohol use has slightly decreased, especially among boys, but binge drinking is up among girls. The survey also reveals that students find it easy to access cannabis and highlights the prevalence of hookah smoking. The study, conducted by the Cyprus Addiction Treatment Authority, KENTHEA, and the Ministry of Education, monitors youth behaviors since 1995, shedding light on evolving trends and concerns.

October 27, 2025 by theguardian.com

Over 1,200 health leaders urge swift passage of the tobacco and vapes bill in the UK parliament to protect future generations. The bill aims to ban tobacco sales to those born after 2009 and regulate e-cigarette packaging and marketing. Advocates emphasize the urgency of the legislation in preventing deadly addictions and saving lives. Tobacco groups oppose the bill, seeking support to weaken it. Various proposals, including delaying a ban on heated tobacco, have sparked controversy. Survey results show public support for alternative approaches to tobacco sales, such as maintaining the legal age at 18 or raising it to 21.

October 27, 2025 by rte.ie

Interview with Mark Murphy (Senior Policy Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation) and Dr Garrett McGovern (Medical Director and Addiction Specialist at the Priority Medical Clinic) on RTÉ Radio — discussing the recent major tax hike on e-cigarettes in Ireland and its public health implications.

October 23, 2025 by irishexaminer.com

The text highlights the deceptive marketing tactics of vaping companies, particularly targeting children with appealing flavors. Vaping is shown to be harmful, with high nicotine levels and toxic chemicals inhaled, leading to addiction and health issues. Parents are urged to recognize the dangers and take action, while the government is called upon to implement stricter regulations on marketing, flavors, and misinformation about vaping. It is emphasized that prevention programs in schools are crucial to educate teenagers on the risks of vaping. Urgent measures are needed to address the increasing trend of teenage vaping and promote healthier socialization alternatives.

October 23, 2025 by smokefreesweden.org

The UK has significantly reduced smoking rates by promoting vaping and safer nicotine alternatives, leading to a 166,000 decrease in premature deaths. This strategy has lowered smoking rates and improved health outcomes, with cardiovascular mortality down and fewer smoking-related hospital admissions. These results showcase the success of tobacco harm reduction. However, challenges such as potential restrictions on vaping products could slow progress. Countries like Sweden, Japan, and New Zealand have also seen success with harm reduction strategies. To continue this positive trend, it's crucial for the UK to defend the role of vaping and reduced-risk products. Global leadership in this area must be protected to benefit millions more.

October 22, 2025 by nypost.com

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joked about potentially "killing someone" if she had to quit smoking during the Gaza peace summit in Egypt. She bantered with world leaders like Turkish President Erdogan, who urged her to quit. Meloni revealed she restarted smoking after 13 years. Despite President Trump's compliments on her appearance, Meloni has gained respect for her political success. As Italy's first female prime minister, she plays a crucial role in mediating between the EU and the US, notably during Ukraine war negotiations.

October 21, 2025 by vejpkollen.se

WHO is considering stricter regulations on nicotine products, with the Swedish Parliament defending their harm reduction approach. Tobias Andersson emphasizes the importance of Sweden standing up for its policies. Concerns arise as EU and WHO propose measures against e-cigarettes and snus. Andersson advocates for extending Sweden's model internationally. Elisabeth Lann highlights Sweden's low tobacco-related mortality. Transparency issues are raised regarding the upcoming WHO meeting. The debate focuses on harm reduction benefits of snus compared to smoking. The Minister of Health stresses the milder effects of snus. Questions remain on Sweden's stance at the COP11 meeting. The need for clarity on influencing WHO decisions is emphasized.

October 21, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Belgium's ex-Health Minister Franck Vandenbroucke will lead a seminar on vaping at the WHO conference in November. He criticizes vaping as dangerous and aims to eliminate it globally. Despite strict tobacco controls in Belgium, smoking rates stagnate at 21%, with new bans on nicotine pouches and disposable vapes creating a thriving black market. Vandenbroucke plans to involve ministers worldwide in the seminar, but the public's role remains unclear. Efforts to reduce smoking without new policies have proven ineffective, with reports of ongoing sales of banned products in Belgium.

October 21, 2025 by filtermag.org

Ireland will implement a tax of €0.50 per milliliter on all vaping e-liquids, becoming the highest in the EU. The government aims to further restrict vape products and flavors, despite missing smoke-free targets. Advocates argue that high vape taxes hinder smoking cessation efforts, especially as vapes were aiding in reducing smoking rates. The tax is viewed as counterproductive, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals and leading to a potential rise in smoking and black-market product use. While the government cites youth protection and reducing accessibility, critics believe it penalizes smokers trying to quit. The tax contradicts evidence showing affordable vape access aids in smoking cessation.

October 17, 2025 by theguardian.com

Experts argue that cigarette filters are ineffective, worsen plastic pollution, and should be banned by the UK government to protect public health and the environment. Filters don't reduce harm, mislead users, and contribute to plastic waste. Despite a declining number of smokers, misconceptions about filter benefits persist. An upcoming bill aims to raise the legal smoking age, offering a chance to further regulate tobacco products. Emphasizing the need for public education to debunk filter myths, the call is to ban filters due to their harmful effects and deceptive tactics by the tobacco industry.