In Brussels, European policymakers are gathered for a two-day meeting to discuss Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and other critical health issues. The plan includes several legislative initiatives aimed at reducing cancer risk factors, such as measures to limit tobacco and alcohol consumption and promote healthier eating habits.
Michael Landl, director of the World Vapers Alliance, emphasized the importance of this meeting in shaping the future of tobacco policies in Europe. He pointed to Sweden as an example of a country that is leading the way towards becoming smoke-free by prioritizing safer and less harmful alternatives to smoking. Landl urged EU policymakers to take inspiration from Sweden and implement regulations that support harm reduction strategies.
Despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the role of safer nicotine alternatives like vaping or pouches in reducing harm and aiding in smoking cessation, Landl noted that the EU Commission has been unresponsive to scientific data on tobacco policies. He underscored the importance of EU policymakers seizing this critical opportunity to advocate for regulations that could save hundreds of thousands of lives annually by curbing smoking-related deaths.
The Beating Cancer Plan recognizes the potential of vaping in helping smokers quit and highlights the need for politicians to align policies with this acknowledgment. The call for sensible regulations to support harm reduction strategies is seen as a crucial step towards reducing the prevalence of smoking and improving public health across Europe.
