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    What is COP and why does it matter?

    Ali Anderson
    Ali Anderson
    January 25, 2024
    3 min read
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    COP stands for ‘Conference of the Parties:’ a global event that brings together decision makers from all countries signed up to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). 

    Sessions of the COP take place every two years and typically result in decisions and recommendations being made for how member countries should implement the treaty.

    The tenth COP - COP10 - will take place from Monday 5 February to Saturday 10 February 2024 in Panama after being postponed from November 2023 due to security concerns.

    Originally designed 20 years ago to be the first international treaty to address the harmful effects of combustible tobacco (primarily cigarettes and cigars), the FCTC has since extended its scope to include new tobacco products such as e-cigarettes/vapes, snus and nicotine pouches.

    Discussions at the COPs influence tobacco control policies at a global level. The decisions made will be significant in determining the future of alternative nicotine products.

    COP10 is set to consider a WHO report on “novel and emerging tobacco products,” including vapes, which brings together research and evidence on their:

    • Health impacts, including on non-users 
    • Potential for addiction
    • Attractiveness and marketing
    • Potential role in initiating and quitting smoking 
    • Claims to help reduce harm

    The meeting will then consider new policy options. These could include: 

    • A ban on all open system vaping products
    • A ban on all flavours except tobacco
    • A ban on nicotine salts in vaping products
    • Regulation of products so they restrict delivery of nicotine
    • A rule that vaping and heated tobacco products are treated in the same way as combustible tobacco
    • Taxation at the same rate as cigarettes, banning use where smoking is prohibited, large graphic health warnings, plain packaging, and a ban on all advertising, promotion and sponsorship

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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.

    Still have questions?

    Send us an email and we'll get back to you.

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