EU health ministers’ flavour ban push threatens public health and democracy, WVA says
June 19, 2024
Photo: iStock
Vapers have raised the alarm before the EPSCO Council meeting on Thursday, where ministers from European Union member states are expected to make aggressive push to ban flavours in safer nicotine products.
World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) said the move bypasses democratic processes and disregards the voices of 54,000 citizens who have signed a petition against such a ban organised by the consumer body.
“Every year, 700,000 lives are needlessly lost in the EU due to smoking-related diseases. By recklessly pushing for a flavour ban on safer nicotine alternatives, they are playing with lives and ignoring the clear will of the people. It’s time to stop this madness and listen to science and the citizens they serve,” said Michael Landl, WVA director.
The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council consists of the ministers of employment, social affairs, health and/or consumer affairs of the EU member states. The two-day meeting’s provisional agenda includes ‘a call for action at EU level to protect young people from the harm caused by novel tobacco and nicotine products’.
The European Commission has yet to consult the public on a new Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and WVA pointed out that this delay has left a void that ministers aim to exploit, sidelining the necessary scientific evaluation, public consultation, and parliamentary scrutiny.
Record numbers of submissions marked the European Commission’s initial consultation, primarily from citizens supporting safer nicotine products.
WVA noted that flavours play a significant role in helping adult smokers transition away from cigarettes and maintain abstinence from smoking. Ignoring this fact endangers public health and disregards the overwhelming support from European citizens who have voiced their opposition to a flavour ban, it added.
In an open letter, WVA called on EU health ministers to reject the flavour ban proposal and instead focus on policies that are informed by science and reflect the will of the people.
“This isn’t just about regulation, it’s about lives. We must prioritise harm reduction and listen to the voices of the people,” added Landl.
