Brussels, 20.1.2026 – Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi has sparked sharp criticism following a written response to MEP Kristoffer Storm regarding nicotine products. When asked about the relative risks of smoke-free alternatives compared to smoking, the Commissioner claimed that: “Using smoke-free tobacco and nicotine products, as opposed to combustible smoking, is not reducing risk to health.”

Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers Alliance, said:

“Commissioner Várhelyi is spreading dangerous misinformation that will keep people smoking. By claiming there is no difference in risk between cigarettes and alternative products, he is acting as a science denier. It is irresponsible for a high-ranking official to ignore the evidence and mislead the public. The European Commission must stop its ideological war on harm reduction and start listening to the scientists.”

Independent scientific reviews and government health reports globally confirm that smoke-free products are much less harmful than smoking. Research proves that these alternatives are effective tools for cessation and that smokers who switch entirely see a major reduction in health risks. By ignoring these facts, the Commissioner is erasing vital evidence and deceiving the public about the actual risks of different nicotine products.

The World Vapers Alliance calls on the Commission to retract this statement immediately. Promoting misinformation about harm reduction undermines public health efforts and prevents smokers from making informed choices. Policy must be based on evidence rather than ideological opposition to less harmful alternatives.