Read articles from Europe

November 12, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has moved to the Grand Committee stage in the House of Lords – and voices of reason are few and far between. Lord Murray of Blidworth introduced a long list of amendments and, in doing so, took aim at the government and Action On Smoking and Health for ignoring the inevitable consequences of implementing bans.

November 12, 2025 by theguardian.com

Colorful nicotine pouches are the tobacco industry's latest product, marketed as "tobacco-free" but filled with nicotine for a discreet buzz. Despite potential benefits for smokers trying to quit, concerns about addiction and health risks persist. Sales are rising, appealing to younger age groups with revamped marketing. Growing awareness among youth highlights accessibility and potential health issues, with worries about transitioning to more harmful products. The high nicotine content, addictive nature, and unknown long-term effects raise red flags, especially for developing brains. Regulations aim to curb underage use and limit flavors, acknowledging reduced harm compared to smoking but emphasizing the need for caution in preventing non-smokers from starting.

November 11, 2025 by springer.com

Cigarette smoking remains a major health issue despite tobacco control efforts. Harm reduction strategies like using safer nicotine alternatives are crucial. Current tobacco control methods have limitations, leading to slow decline in smoking rates globally. Successful implementation of MPOWER measures has not significantly reduced smoking prevalence. Policy reform, accepting harm reduction, can accelerate reduction in smoking-related harm. Clinicians should support patients in using less harmful alternatives to combat smoking. Policymakers should focus on reducing smoking rather than banning safer alternatives. Adopting harm reduction in tobacco control strategies is vital for the next phase of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to achieve faster declines in smoking-related diseases and deaths.

November 10, 2025 by spectator.co.uk

The text discusses the Generational Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the House of Lords and questions the need for the proposed ban on smoking among young people. Data shows a significant decline in smoking rates among the youth due to factors such as increased prices of tobacco and the popularity of vape products. The ban is deemed unnecessary as smoking rates are already decreasing, and the shift towards harm reduction products like vapes is increasing. Enforcing the ban would be costly and potentially ineffective, as evidenced by rising black market activity. Overall, the ban is criticized as unnecessary and costly, given the existing decline in smoking rates.

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.