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    EU's Delayed Action on Tobacco Products Directive Sparks Vaping Debate

    Alastair Cohen
    Alastair Cohen
    March 13, 2024
    3 min read
    Download Source FilesDownload Source Files

    The European Commission has quietly admitted that it is well behind on its plans for revising the EU Tobacco Products Directive, according to internal documents seen by Clearing the Air. 

    In what the Commission calls its “Implementation roadmap” for the “Beating Cancer Plan”, the Commision backs away from plans to hold a public consultation on any changes to the EU-wide tobacco law - which also covers vaping and other safer nicotine products - during 2024. Officials now merely want to finish a “staff working document”.

    A consultation on the future of vaping rules was held in 2023, and nicotine consumers  were very clear in their recommendations to the Commission: Don’t take away the products we use. Clearing the air has produced infographics showing how European consumers and academics who responded to the survey overwhelmingly supported safer nicotine products.

    The Tobacco Products Directive, which came into force in 2016, regulates vaping across Europe, and is the reason you can only get small e-liquid bottles in the UK and Europe. While the UK left the EU in 2021, it still applies the Directive.

    Despite calls from consumers and businesses from around Europe, the European Commission remains opposed to helping smokers make better choices.

    As Politico has reported, the Commission looks set to try to ban nicotine pouches, and is determined to remove flavoured vaping product from the market too.

    The Commission sought to ban vaping completely in 2012, when it proposed the Tobacco Products Directive. Amendments in Parliament prevented that from happening, and are the reason vaping is legal in Europe at all.

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    FAQs

    Campaigning can be difficult, especially if it's not your full time job, but we're here to make it simpler. In this section, you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about legislative processes, advocacy strategies, and how you can effectively participate in shaping policies.

    What is advocacy and how can I get involved?

    Simply put, advocacy is organising a group of likeminded people who campaign for a change in government policy by talking to the people in power. This can take many forms, from posting on social media, to writing to your local politicians, to arranging meetings with the government or responding to consultations. We help by providing the information and tools you need to do this effectively.

    How can I track the progress of legislation?

    Government websites will usually contain a list of the legislative files that are in the process of becoming law. However, these kinds of websites are designed for legal and political professionals, and they can often be confusing for the general public. We help by keeping our ear to the ground, looking out for development in tobacco harm reduction proposals, and then make sure you have an easy-to-use summary.

    What's the best way to contact my representatives?

    Politicians are people too, and like everyone else, the best way to get messages to them varies from person to person. Some like email or even traditional mail, while others are constantly checking their social media feeds. They all have one thing in common though: they need to keep up to date with what matters to the people they represent. We help you find yours by keeping databases of politicians and candidates across Europe alongside all of their contact details, so you can quickly find out how to reach the person you need.

    Can I make a difference?

    Yes! The only reason that harm reduction is still alive and kicking in Europe today is because people like you, with no political or campaigning background, took action to protect the availability of the products they rely on to stay smoke free. We've got lots of articles that talk about when and how this has happened in the past, which we hope will inspire you to get involved and make a difference.

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