European vape advocacy groups commend the decision of EU MEPs to recognize tobacco harm reduction as a tool to beat cancer, yet remain concerned about the negative perceptions of flavoured products.

Today, the Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA) voted on the amendments and the draft of the Beating Cancer report. Naturally, the report authors say smoking is one of the main causes of cancer and thankfully, unlike the World Health Organization (WHO) they consider tobacco harm reduction as an effective tool to reduce smoking rates.

In a press release about the development, the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA) welcomed the recognition of vaping as a tool to quit smoking in the report. However, it finds it concerning that flavoured products are still considered a threat rather than an opportunity, and mentions a possible ban. “European Parliament reports like this are  necessarily a compromise. IEVA notes that the variety of flavours is one of the most  important reasons for smokers to switch to e-cigarettes and for vapers not to go back to  smoking. A ban on flavours would eliminate one of the main advantages of the e-cigarette  over the tobacco cigarette – an improved taste,” said IEVA President Dustin Dahlmann.

“We also see that the importance of the e-cigarette for quitting smoking is recognized and  that the risks of vaping are planned to be assessed even more in relation to the risks of  smoking in the future. This approach must be pursued, and not undermined by banning  most products on the market today.”

Read the full text here