OPINION: Oliver Várhelyi and the Trumpification of EU Health Policy
June 02, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
OPINION: Oliver Várhelyi and the Trumpification of EU Health Policy
EU health policy is criticised for becoming increasingly political, confused and disconnected from evidence on tobacco harm reduction. Recent statements on nicotine products are challenged for treating vaping, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches as though they carry the same risks as cigarettes. Concerns about youth use are presented as being stretched across overly broad age groups, including adults who may benefit from access to safer alternatives. The EU consultation process is also criticised for grouping lower-risk products with combustible tobacco and making it difficult to support risk-proportionate regulation. A more credible approach would recognise the role of smoke-free nicotine products in reducing smoking and allow consumers, including former smokers, to be properly heard.
