EU Commission Called Out
The World Vapers' Alliance calls out the EU Commission's hostile stance on Tobacco Harm Reduction in light of Tobacco Product Directive consultation findings
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by Dave Cross
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The consultation results reveal a substantial consensus among citizens, NGOs, and scientific institutions on the effectiveness of harm-reduction products in assisting smokers to quit. A striking 77% of respondents recognise these products as helpful smoking cessation tools, while a mere 9% of EU citizens disagree. Furthermore, an overwhelming 82% of respondents refute the notion that new nicotine alternatives pose a risk to public health, with only 6% perceiving them as a threat.
Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, states: “The EU Commission's current stance on harm reduction is not just out of touch; it's a blatant disregard for consumer opinions and scientific evidence. It's high time the Commission responds to the reality that harm-reduction products are not the enemy but a vital ally in the fight against smoking.”
Countries like Sweden serve as living proof of the success of a consumer-friendly harm reduction approach, significantly outpacing the EU in reducing smoking rates. The EU Commission's reluctance to embrace this approach is not only perplexing but also detrimental to public health efforts.
“Sweden's success story is a testament to what can be achieved with a sensible harm reduction policy. It's baffling and frankly irresponsible for the EU Commission to continue its hostile approach towards these life-saving products. The Commission needs to align its policies with the clear evidence and public opinion, rather than clinging to outdated and ineffective methods," Landl further adds.
The WVA is urging the EU Commission to reconsider its position and adopt a more evidence-based approach towards harm-reduction for the upcoming update of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). The recent consultation findings should serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for policies that truly reflect the needs of public health and the preferences of EU citizens.
The World Vapers' Alliance says it remains committed to advocating for sensible harm reduction policies and the rights of consumers who choose less harmful alternatives to smoking. The organisation calls on the EU Commission to listen to the voices of consumers and the scientific community, and to revise its approach to better serve the health interests of its citizens.
The World Vapers’ Alliance says it amplifies the voices of vapers worldwide and empowers them to make a difference for their communities, “our members are vapers associations as well as individual vapers from all over the world.”
Michael Landl is the director of the World Vapers’ Alliance. He is from Austria and is based in Vienna. He is an experienced policy professional and a passionate vaper. He studied at the University of St. Gallen and worked for several public policy outlets and as well in the German Parliament.
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PHOTO BY ENGIN AKYURT ON UNSPLASH
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
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