Growing anti-vaping hysteria risks undermining EU’s tobacco-free goals
March 21, 2025 by eutoday.net
Growing anti-vaping hysteria risks undermining EU’s tobacco-free goals
The EU faces pressure from anti-vaping advocates to impose strict regulations on e-cigarettes. The Dutch Health Minister urged the EU to take decisive action, including flavor restrictions. Various EU countries are adopting their own vaping regulations, with a trend towards flavor bans. However, studies show flavor bans may increase harm by driving consumers to the black market. Lessons from regions like the US, Canada, and Australia demonstrate the unintended consequences of flavor bans. To achieve harm reduction goals, the EU should adopt a balanced vaping policy that supports smokers in transitioning away from tobacco. Embracing harm reduction strategies, like those in Sweden and Norway, can lead to a successful tobacco-free future.
