Brussels, 7. November 2023 – Today, the EU’s Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT) has endorsed the potential role of vaping in supporting smoking cessation.

Parliament’s report on non-communicable diseases acknowledges that vaping is a way for smokers to gradually quit. However, the SANT’s recommendation to ban vaping in some public areas has sparked debate and concern.

Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, offers a nuanced view of the report:

“Parliament’s recognition that vaping can help smokers quit is a step in the right direction. With the well-documented success of vaping as a smoking cessation aid, it’s crucial for the EU to fully embrace this tool within its strategy to reduce smoking-related illnesses. Vaping not only offers a way out for smokers but is instrumental in achieving public health goals.”

Despite this recognition, the report’s proposal to extend smoking bans to vaping is seen problematic.

“Treating vaping the same as smoking in public spaces sends the wrong message to smokers who want to quit. There is no evidence of harm from secondhand vaping. The Subcommittee must reconsider the broader impact, including the risk of former smokers relapsing. A more thoughtful regulatory approach based on common sense is imperative to ensure that vaping remains a viable option for those committed to quitting cigarettes,” Landl cautions.

The WVA believes that for the EU to significantly lower smoking rates and effectively tackle NCDs, supportive measures for harm reduction strategies like vaping must be integrated into public health policies.