Almost 20,000 people have signed an online petition against a crackdown on vapes in Europe that would put “millions of lives” at risk.
Action group World Vapers’ Alliance is urging vapers to get behind its petition calling on the European Union (EU) not to place further restrictions on safer alternatives to smoking.
The EU is currently reviewing the Tobacco Products Directive, which regulates the vaping industry with rules on tank size, e-liquid bottle volume and nicotine strength.
The review is expected to lead to tighter rules on the sale and use of vapes, such as banning some flavours.
But World Vapers’ Alliance says the move to restrict vapes, which are known to help smokers quit more dangerous cigarettes, will put lives at risk.
It says: “Every year, 700,000 lives are needlessly lost in the EU due to smoking-related diseases. As the EU reviews the Tobacco Products Directive, there’s a concerning push to restrict safer nicotine alternatives, further endangering lives.
“This isn’t just a petition; it’s a demand for the protection of harm-reduction products, which are vital for public health. Your support is more than valuable - it’s crucial for advocating sensible, life-saving policies.”
The petition - ‘Every Life Counts, a European Call for Harm Reduction’ - calls for:
- The preservation of flavours: rejecting bans on vaping flavours
- A firm commitment to tobacco harm reduction: embracing effective strategies
- Ensuring affordability and variety: supporting access to safer nicotine alternatives for adults
The petition will be handed to the EU Parliament’s Committee on Petitions (PETI) at the end of the year.
World Vapers’ Alliance says: “The time to act is NOW. With consumer-friendly nicotine regulations, millions of lives can be saved in Europe. We refuse to give up on them. Everyone deserves the right to choose a healthier life, and that’s what we’re fighting for. But we can’t do it alone.
“Raise your voice, tell your story to a Member of the European Parliament, and join us in this critical fight. Every life counts, and together, we can make a difference.”
Sign the petition and share your personal story about beating smoking with policymakers here.
