War on vaping defies science and reality, leading tobacco researcher warns
March 31, 2026 by brusselssignal.eu
War on vaping defies science and reality, leading tobacco researcher warns
Growing concern is being voiced by some researchers that the European Union’s approach to vaping may be moving away from scientific evidence and real-world outcomes. A leading expert in tobacco harm reduction warns that stricter regulations and higher taxes on nicotine alternatives could risk reversing progress in reducing smoking rates. Criticism focuses on what is seen as a failure to properly distinguish between combustible cigarettes and lower-risk alternatives such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Examples such as Sweden are frequently highlighted, where widespread adoption of harm reduction products has contributed to some of the lowest smoking rates in Europe. There are also concerns that restrictive policies could unintentionally drive consumers back to smoking or toward illicit markets if safer alternatives become less accessible or more expensive. The debate ultimately reflects a broader clash between precautionary regulation and evidence-based public health strategies in shaping the future of nicotine policy across the EU.
