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Michael Bloomberg's foundation funds NGOs to control global health policy, specifically targeting tobacco harm reduction tools like vaping. By investing billions in activist groups, health NGOs, and the WHO, Bloomberg influences public health decisions globally. These organizations, dubbed "Bloomberg Babies," push his anti-nicotine agenda. The network includes groups like the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Corporate Accountability International, and Vital Strategies. This concentrated control raises concerns over transparency, tax avoidance, and bias in public health discourse. Despite hefty funding, the effectiveness of Bloomberg's anti-tobacco campaigns is questioned, with criticism of hindering harm reduction efforts and promoting questionable policies.

The European Union’s lack of unity during a crucial WHO meeting on tobacco bans has served as a “testing ground” ahead of an upcoming debate on the EU’s own tobacco rules, an EU diplomat said. For the first time, the EU will remain silent during discussions at the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, taking place on 17–22 November in Geneva. The meeting will focus on strict global measures against tobacco, including new products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches. Overall, EU member states agreed on the need for stricter rules for both traditional tobacco and emerging nicotine-based products.

COP11 opened with familiar praises for stringent restrictions on nicotine products, neglecting actual evidence. The World Health Organization's decisions at COP11 lack transparency and focus excessively on bans rather than effective measures. Embracing harm reduction over prohibition has significantly lowered smoking rates in some countries. While many nations advocate for harsh restrictions, New Zealand and Serbia stand out by advocating harm reduction and evidence-based policies. These voices challenge the prevailing narrative and emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making. Despite existing success stories, the influence of donors aligned with prohibition continues to dominate the conversation at COP11, limiting progress towards more effective solutions.

The UK experiences a decline in smoking, particularly in combustible products like cigarettes and rolling tobacco, with sales down 36%. Vape liquids are seeing growth, but value sales in convenience stores have decreased by 25%. Nicotine pouches are gaining popularity as smokers switch to alternatives, with convenience stores leading sales. Sales of disposable vapes have been banned, leading to an increase in reusable vapes causing disposal issues. Cigars and cigarillos are growing, with cigarillos dominating the market. The proposed generational ban on tobacco sales is predicted to increase illicit trade. Retailers are advised to diversify product offerings to meet consumer preferences.

The ban on disposable vapes aims to reduce environmental damage and curb nicotine addiction. Despite the ban, young people in Hull have not significantly changed their vaping habits. The Office for National Statistics revealed a slight decrease in daily or occasional e-cigarette use among 16-24 year olds. The ban, part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, intends to discourage youth vaping. While there are concerns about the attractiveness of vape flavors and packaging to young people, enforcement against illicit vapes is being strengthened. However, some worry that reusable vapes may still appeal to youths. Overall, the ban is seen as a success in reducing environmental impact, though its full impact on youth vaping remains to be seen.

New Czech regulations from December aim to protect young people by banning e-cigarettes with sugar flavors and cannabinoids to reduce addiction potential. Manufacturers must sell off existing stock in seven months. A study by the State Health Institute shows a rise in e-cigarette use, especially among those aged 15-24. Regulations will now require clearer indication of nicotine content on packaging. Additionally, products must have warnings if nicotine-free and cannot contain oils, fats, cannabinoids, or sugar flavors. Information, including a Ministry of Health registration number, must be printed on products directly. The Ministry hopes these measures will deter children from using e-cigarettes.

Former WHO officials have called on governments to revamp global tobacco control strategies, warning that ignoring tobacco harm reduction (THR) could cost millions of lives. In a new report, Tikki Pang, Derek Yach, Chris Snowdon, and Peter Beckett argued that the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) needs a “reset” to include safer nicotine products like e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices, and oral nicotine pouches. They emphasized that broader access to these lower-risk alternatives could sharply reduce smoking-related deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries with high cigarette consumption.

Policymakers throughout Canada have valid reasons to be concerned about vapes reaching vulnerable youth. The illicit market continues to grow nationwide, prompting many governments to take action. In their 2025 budgets, Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan each allocated funds to combat contraband tobacco and tackle the broader illicit market.

Danish youth smoking rates hit record lows, with only 2.7% smoking daily, down from 15.4% in 2014, as per Aarhus University's survey. While cigarette use decreases, alternative nicotine product use rises, with a shift towards vapes and nicotine pouches as less harmful choices. These trends align with broader Nordic patterns, where e-cigarette and oral nicotine product use increases among youth. Denmark faces the challenge of regulating these products to curb youth access while acknowledging harm reduction benefits for adult smokers transitioning to non-combustible options. The data suggests a societal shift towards less harmful nicotine consumption among Danish youth.

Live from Geneva, Switzerland – RegWatch brings you exclusive coverage of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance’s Good COP 2.0, a tobacco harm reduction counter-conference held alongside the WHO’s COP 11. Good COP 2.0 gathers 37 experts from 22 countries to distinguish facts from myths and challenge the misinformation influencing global health policy.