European Union - Clearing the Air

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23 experts write to EU warning over vaping risk misinformation

A group of 23 European experts in tobacco and nicotine science have written to the President of the European Commission, warning that recent statements on vaping and other smoke-free products are “false and misleading”. In an eight-page letter sent on 25 February,…

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Germany plans menthol vape ban under draft cooling agents rule

Germany is moving to ban menthol vapes and a wide range of e-liquids containing cooling agents under draft regulations that could take effect later in 2026. The proposal, put forward by the Federal Ministry for Agriculture, would prohibit menthol and other flavourings…

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WHO chief urges Ireland to close EU nicotine ‘loopholes’ ahead of presidency

The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged Ireland to use its influence at EU level to tighten regulation of nicotine products, warning of “strong industry opposition” from the tobacco lobby. In a letter dated August 22nd to Health Minister…

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Consumers urge Sweden to veto EU Tobacco Tax

Nine organisations representing users of safer nicotine products have called on the Swedish Government to veto Brussels plans to impose huge tax increases on vapes and nicotine pouches, calling the plans “fundamentally flawed” and “a direct threat to the Swedish Model”. The…

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EU commissioner claims smoke-free products do not reduce health risks

The European Union’s health commissioner has claimed that smoke-free nicotine products do not reduce health risks compared with cigarettes, contradicting evidence from multiple health authorities. The remarks were made in a response to a parliamentary question from Danish MEP Kristoffer Storm on…

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Sweden is Europe’s first smoke-free nation as Scotland’s progress stalls

Sweden has become the first country in Europe to achieve smoke-free status, while smoking rates in Scotland have stalled amid restrictions on vaping and a decline in cessation funding. Sweden reaches smoke-free milestone On October 25, 2025, Sweden reached smoke-free status, meaning…

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Exclusive: EU’s Leaked COP11 Position Signals Harsh Crackdown on Safer Nicotine Products

A leaked European Union draft position for next month’s WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) meeting reveals a sweeping push to extend tobacco-style restrictions, and even possible bans, to all non-smoked nicotine products, including vaping devices, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches.…

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EU vows vape tax hike as officials liken vapes to cigarettes

The European Union (EU) is preparing to hike taxes on vapes to the same level as cigarettes, as top commissioners draw direct comparisons between the two products - a move critics say ignores science. Brussels targets vapes in new tax overhaul At…

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“A cruel joke on Europe’s smokers”: French pouch ban to go ahead in April

With France pushing ahead with its criminalisation of nicotine pouches despite objections from seven other EU Member States, consumers and health policy advocates have slammed the measure, warning that it will criminalise ordinary Europeans crossing borders with safer nicotine products and push…

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