Following the endorsement from the EU’s Subcommittee on Public Health, vaping now gets the green light from the European Parliament.
The European Parliament has accepted that vaping does play an important role in aiding smoking cessation, after recognising it in a published report.
This supportive and promising adoption by the Parliament stands as a pivotal moment for the industry in the fight against smoking- related illnesses.
The report is a part of the Parliament’s broader initiative on the prevention of non- communicable diseases.
Within this, it acknowledged vaping as an effective method for smoking cessation, possibly setting a new direction for health policies within the EU.
The move follows the EU’s recent Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT) endorsement.
However, a point of contention remains with the initial recommendation by the SANT still being to limit vaping in certain public areas.
Michael Landl, the Director of the World Vapers Alliance (WVA), said the full adoption of the report by the Parliament is a step forward, underscoring a significant shift in recognising vaping’s positive impact on public health around Europe.
The WVA director said:
“We now call on the European Commission to align with this perspective, as it represents the collective voice and decision of the Parliament, the direct representatives of EU citizens.
Listening to this voice is not just a matter of policy but of democratic responsibility.”
Addressing the SANT’s recommendation of public vaping, Landl said:
“While we welcome the Parliament’s endorsement, the proposed restrictions on vaping in public spaces are concerning.
Such measures could inadvertently hinder smokers’ transition to a less harmful alternative.
It’s vital to base regulatory decisions on scientific evidence, distinguishing vaping from smoking.”
In a press release by the WVA, the organisation, that has been working very closely with the developments of this report, emphasised their commitment and advocacy for harm reduction strategies to be integrated into EU public health policies.
Stating:
“We advocate for a regulatory approach that supports public health objectives while respecting the nuances between smoking and vaping.”
This approach will be crucial for effectively reducing smoking rates and tackling preventable illnesses across Europe.
