Read articles from Europe

October 06, 2025 by brusselstimes.com

The sponsored opinion article discusses the ineffective bans and restrictions on nicotine pouches in some EU countries, leading to an increase in smoking and illicit markets. It emphasizes the importance of harm reduction strategies over prohibition, citing Sweden as a successful example. The text advocates for regulating nicotine products instead of banning them and highlights the negative consequences of prohibition, such as loss of tax revenue and public health risks. It calls for evidence-based policies in the EU to promote safer alternatives to smoking and urges the European Parliament and Commission to prioritize harm reduction over ideology.

October 03, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com

The World Vapers’ Alliance strongly criticizes European Health Commissioner Várhelyi's plan to equalize taxes on vaping products and cigarettes, citing a misunderstanding of harm reduction. Várhelyi's claims disregard scientific evidence showing vaping is safer than smoking. Despite an ongoing public consultation until October, the Commissioner dismisses citizen opinions prematurely, overlooking the millions benefiting from switching to vaping. Critics, including public health experts, warn that the tax plan goes against science and could push people back to smoking. They advocate for fair taxation based on actual risks, as demonstrated in countries like the UK and Sweden. The European Commission should support harm reduction instead of undermining it.

October 01, 2025 by vejpkollen.se

The European Commission faces opposition over its record budget due to proposed new nicotine and corporate taxes, prompting 14 member states, led by Sweden, to oppose the plan. Concerns exist about tax revenue distribution, harm reduction perspectives, and market harmonization. The dispute may lead to a budget overhaul to secure necessary support.

October 01, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

New government licensing rules could restrict vape access for smokers, worrying retailers about increased smoking rates and black market activity. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill proposes licensing for all tobacco and vape sellers by January 2027, without "grandfathering" existing sellers. Concerns arise over the impact on convenience stores and potential restrictions near schools. The UK Vaping Industry Association criticizes categorizing vape shops alongside unwanted businesses, emphasizing vaping's role in smoking cessation and public health. Licensing could target rogue traders and fund enforcement efforts, supporting responsible retailers and public health goals.

October 01, 2025 by euractiv.com

EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra warned that the tobacco industry’s claims about vapes being less harmful than cigarettes mirror past misleading tactics used with “light” cigarettes. He stressed that nicotine in new products is still very harmful, damaging blood vessels, impairing vascular function, and stimulating tumour growth. The European Commission is now preparing its first assessment of the health impacts of new tobacco and nicotine products, with a focus on preventing youth uptake. Hoekstra has also been pushing for higher taxation on cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches.

September 29, 2025 by vaping360.com

France will enforce a total ban on nicotine pouches starting in March 2026, following a decree from the health ministry. Despite objections from other EU countries, the government argues the measure is needed to protect public health, especially young people, as nicotine is deemed a health hazard.

September 26, 2025 by socialdemocrats.ie

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore urgently calls for government regulation of nicotine pouch sales and marketing due to their rising use among teenagers. She stresses the lack of age restrictions and oversight in corner shops, where these products are widely available, aggressively marketed, and flavored to appeal to children. The strong nicotine hit poses addiction risks, and schools report disruptions. Whitmore urges immediate action to ban sales to under-18s, restrict marketing, and provide guidance to schools, as the tobacco industry targets a new generation in the absence of legislation. She emphasizes the need for swift government intervention to address the issue promptly.

September 26, 2025 by thecritic.co.uk

The spread of misinformation about vaping risks is described as a major public health disaster, fueled by myths like “popcorn lung,” the EVALI scare, and the misconception that nicotine causes cancer. Instead of correcting false beliefs, public health figures are accused of reinforcing them. The UK government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which allows vapes to be regulated like cigarettes, is seen as worsening the problem by suggesting their risks are similar. Critics argue that some public health academics and activists undermine vaping despite acknowledging its benefits.

September 25, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

UKVIA Director General John Dunne warned that putting vapes in plain, cigarette-style packaging could drive ex-smokers back to cigarettes. He argued that while studies claim plain packaging reduces youth appeal, it risks reinforcing myths that vaping is as harmful as smoking. Dunne stressed that vaping is far less risky and the most effective way to quit smoking. He also pointed to evidence from the UK, Canada, and the US showing plain packaging reduces adult appeal and can increase smoking rates. Citing that 14% of former smokers have already returned to cigarettes after the disposable vape ban, he cautioned against further restrictive laws.

September 24, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

The World Vapers' Alliance has criticized Spain’s new Anti-Tobacco Bill for treating all alternative nicotine products the same as traditional cigarettes. The bill extends smoking bans to vaping, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches in places like terraces, beaches, stadiums, universities, bus stops, and some private vehicles, despite evidence that these products are significantly less harmful. The Alliance called the bill “shocking,” arguing it ignores scientific evidence and international examples, such as Sweden and the UK, where harm reduction strategies have helped lower smoking rates.