Stories

Growing attention is being paid to how effectively smokers can be supported in quitting, particularly within the evolving landscape of EU health policy. Experts in addiction medicine emphasize that many patients struggle to quit using traditional methods alone, highlighting the need for more practical and accessible solutions. Increasingly, harm reduction approaches - such as the use of safer nicotine alternatives - are presented as a viable pathway away from combustible tobacco. Evidence suggests that these alternatives are significantly less harmful than smoking, which remains responsible for millions of deaths globally each year. The debate now centers on whether policymakers should actively support these tools as part of a broader strategy to reduce smoking-related disease across Europe.

The IMF emphasizes risk-proportionate taxation on nicotine, alcohol, and sugar products to align with harm caused, challenging current tax policies. Economist Christoph B. Rosenberg and tax expert Marius Van Oordt discuss the need to adapt taxes based on harm levels of new products like vapes, emphasizing the importance of combining tax and health data for policymaking. The article points out the success of different tax strategies in countries like New Zealand and the negative impact of misaligned taxes in places like India and Ireland. The IMF's support for harm reduction advocates is seen as influential in shaping healthier societies.

Growing divisions within the European Parliament reveal conflicting visions for the future of EU health policy. Lawmakers remain split between advocating for stricter regulation of products affecting public health and emphasizing individual responsibility supported by scientific evidence. The debate is particularly visible in discussions around alcohol, tobacco, and nutrition policies, where differing approaches to regulation continue to emerge. Some policymakers warn against excessive intervention, stressing the importance of proportional and evidence-based measures. Others argue that stronger action is necessary to counter the influence of commercial factors on public health across the European Union.

In response to comments by Olivér Várhelyi, Clive Bates co-signed an open letter addressed to Ursula von der Leyen, urging a more balanced approach to lower-risk nicotine products. In an interview with EU Perspectives, he emphasized that policymakers need to carefully weigh public health goals against unintended consequences. His main argument is that overly strict or misguided regulation could undermine harm reduction efforts and ultimately worsen outcomes instead of improving them.

Vaping has recently been associated with several negative news stories, including a fire near Glasgow Central Station and allegations of misconduct involving vape shop owners in Dudley. There are also reports from Kent linking vape sharing to meningitis cases, although this connection is considered unproven. Experts suggest that the Glasgow fire was more likely caused by faulty wiring rather than e-cigarettes. While some issues, such as the exploitation of minors and underage vape sales, are serious and illegal, they are not caused by vaping itself. The main problem appears to be weak enforcement of existing laws related to tax evasion, counterfeit products, and illegal sales.

I discuss Australia's approach to e-cigarettes, which essentially limits them to prescription-only. I give 5 reasons why this is a problematic approach; how this overly restrictive regulation has created a violent illicit market; and compare how Australia has fared vs. New Zealand which embraces harm reduction with e-cigarettes.

Governments insist their nicotine policies are “evidence-based.” But a closer look reveals cherry-picked findings, flawed comparisons, and sensational claims that don’t withstand scrutiny. In this GFN interviews, independent tobacco scientist Dr. Ian Fearon explains how weak research and distorted interpretations shape global nicotine policy. From the misuse of correlation to media amplification of questionable studies, Fearon shows how flawed science fuels prohibitionist thinking—leaving smokers misinformed about safer alternatives that could reduce the harms of smoking.

The Czech Trade Inspection Authority conducted over 7,000 inspections in alcohol and tobacco sales last year, revealing violations in almost 46% of cases. Of concern is the significant rise in alcohol sales to minors, with 686 cases recorded. The inspections, often in collaboration with other authorities, identified various shortcomings such as age limit violations and pricing errors. A total of 2,677 fines amounting to 44 million crowns were imposed. The results highlight the necessity for more rigorous enforcement, prompting the Authority to announce increased efforts, especially in preventing sales to minors.

CAPHRA warns that New Zealand could repeat Australia’s illicit tobacco crisis if it relies too much on restrictions, high prices, and enforcement. The concern follows reports that tobacco smuggling in New Zealand is becoming more organised and large-scale. Officials fear this could lead to gang-related violence similar to what has been seen in Australia. CAPHRA’s Executive Coordinator, Nancy Loucas, emphasized that Australia should be seen as a warning rather than a model. She argued that limiting access to safer nicotine alternatives can push consumers toward illegal markets controlled by criminal networks.

Around 44.4% of cigarettes consumed in Belgium are not taxed domestically because they are imported or counterfeit. This leads to an estimated loss of more than 3.025 billion euros in excise duties and VAT revenues. The data comes from a recent study conducted for Cimabel, representing cigarette manufacturers in Belgium and Luxembourg. The figures cover the fourth quarter of 2025 and show a continuing rise in illegal tobacco consumption. This increase is significant compared to 34.9% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024, indicating a rapidly growing problem.