Tobacco & Alternatives
Parliament draft report pushes for tax hike on all tobacco products
A draft of a new report from the European Parliament's beating cancer committee does not distinguish between cigarettes and novel tobacco products on key points, signalling a tighter position on tobacco control, but some EU lawmakers are already mobilising to challenge this.OpinionStakeholder Opinion
Tobacco is a threat to a just and sustainable development
The EU is preparing a due diligence law by June 2021 to hold companies accountable for their impact on people and the planet. There is an urgent need to address the human rights violations, child labour, environmental impact, and disinformation of the tobacco industry, write Helen Stjerna, Farida Akhter, and Sonja von Eichborn.
EU wants tobacco-free generation as smoking numbers rise worldwide
The European Commission is calling for stricter actions on tobacco regulations in a bid to have a tobacco-free generation in the EU by 2040. However, the global number of smokers continues to grow.
European Commission puts e-cigarettes to the test
A European Commission report referencing the potential for electronic cigarettes to fall under pharmaceutical legislation has heated up the long-running debate over the health effects of these novel products.
MEP: E-cigarettes have a place in EU cancer plan, but we must remain vigilant
E-cigarettes “undoubtedly” reduce risks compared to traditional cigarettes and have a place in the EU's plan to fight cancer. However, these products should not enjoy “lighter” regulation and Europe should treat them with the same vigilance as tobacco products, MEP Michèle Rivasi told EURACTIV in an interview.
Debate heats up over electronic cigarettes in Europe
Electronic cigarettes and novel tobacco products have emerged as alternatives to cigarette smoking, which is responsible for nearly 700,000 deaths every year in the EU.
EXCLUSIVE: EU countries to propose excise tax for e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products
EU member states will ask the European Commission this week to place novel tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products under the EU Tobacco Excise Directive, meaning they would be taxed just like traditional tobacco products, according to draft Council conclusions seen by EURACTIV.com.
Smokers likely to be more at risk from coronavirus
Smoking can make people more susceptible to serious complications from a coronavirus infection, the European Union agency for disease control said on Wednesday (25 March), citing scientific studies, although available data is still limited.
EU doctors condemn ‘harmful’ novel tobacco and nicotine products
New novel tobacco and nicotine products are “harmful” according to a new report released from the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME), who represent national medical associations across Europe. The report, which was published on 16 November, says that the... InfographicPromoted content
Extreme smoking bans exclude smokers from society
Draconian prohibitions might make politicians look good, but the costs of the measures are borne by others including the hospitality sector, employers, smokers and taxpayers.
Germany is a ‘developing country’ when it comes to tobacco regulation, expert says
While Germany is being branded a 'developing country' in terms of tobacco regulation, experts warn that a new wave of cancer illnesses may be related to the consumption of E-cigarettes. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Two-thirds of deaths of under 75-year-olds could have been prevented
In 2016, the deaths of 1.2 million Europeans under 75 were considered premature and could have been prevented, according to a report by Eurostat. EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.
Mitsotakis pledges to finally implement smoking ban in Greece
The newly elected center-right government (New Democracy-EPP) in Greece has vowed to implement a smoking ban in enclosed public places, which has existed since 2008 but never took effect.
Electronic cigarettes still bitterly divide stakeholders
There is general agreement that smoking is one of the worst things one can do for one's health. But when it comes to alternatives like electronic cigarettes, the debate continues to divide stakeholders and policymakers.
Commission: EU tobacco track and trace will be fully functional in a year
The much-awaited EU tobacco track and trace system will be fully functional in "maximum one year" after its official launch due on 20 May, a European Commission official told EURACTIV.com.
EU track and trace system risks missing the deadline
EU member states have not yet taken the necessary measures from the Tobacco Product Directive II to implement a track and trace system for tackling illicit tobacco trade, which risks creating disruptions in the single market, EURACTIV has learnt.
Smoking is slavery and against human rights, activists say
Smoking is a form of slavery and is completely incompatible with widely recognised human rights, activists against smoking have said. They also criticised the so-called novel tobacco products for muddying the waters with the claims of being "much less harmful". EURACTIV.com reports from Bucharest.
E-cigarettes should be treated as a normal consumer good, industry says
Electronic cigarettes should be seen as a normal consumer product and not be regulated under the Tobacco Products Directive, according to Giovanni Carucci, vice president EU affairs at British American Tobacco (BAT).
WHO official: With e-cigarettes, the tobacco industry just ‘changed clothes’
In an interview with EURACTIV.com, Dr Vera Luiza da Costa, the Head of Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), has lashed out against the tobacco industry, saying that with its push for electronic cigarettes the trade “just changed clothes while the content remains the same.”
Individual action against smoking is not enough, Romanian president says
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis accused the country’s socialist government on Tuesday (26 March) of failing to inform citizens about tobacco-related risks and ignoring prevention as a tool against smoking. EURACTIV.com reports from Bucharest.
EU health chief: Next Commission will strengthen tobacco rules
The next European Commission will propose strengthening tobacco regulations, based on a report showing how the Tobacco Product Directive (TPD) works in practice, the EU Commissioner responsible for health, Vytenis Andriukaitis, told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
Public health activists say eradicating tobacco must be a human right
Halting the spread of tobacco “epidemic” worldwide is a human right, which global leaders should recognise as such and take particular measures in this direction, public health activists told EURACTIV.com ahead of an anti-tobacco conference in Bucharest next week.
Tobacco control: What’s next?
Tobacco consumption is the most significant cause of premature death in the EU, according to the European Commission. It is responsible for nearly 700,000 deaths every year.