Well well well – I know we are not strictly in the EU now but it is still lovely to see that the EU Parliament has voted to adopt “Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan“.

The report was compiled by the Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA) and was adopted by an overwhelming majority of 652 in favour, 15 against and 27 abstentions.

The BECA was set up in September 2020 and includes 63 MEPs, 33 Full Members and 30 Substitutes.

Included in this group is Deirdre Clune – representing the Fine Gael Party (Ireland) but sadly no UK representation – which is kind of expected really.

The vote took place on 16th February 2022 and it appears that Vaping has been highlighted as a potential stop smoking tool at last!

The report includes this…

“Electronic cigarettes could allow some smokers to progressively quit smoking”

The report also recommends risk evaluations to be performed to compare nicotine products to smoking.

Michael Landl of the World Vapers Alliance (WVA) commented the following on the news…

“Finally, an EU institution acknowledges that vaping helps smokers to quit. That is a significant step forward in our fight to save lives by reducing the harms caused by smoking. It shows the power of the voice of individual consumers coming together. Now it is the Commission’s turn to no longer ignore science and the experience of millions of consumers.” 

The above quote was taken from the World Vapers Alliance Website – Preasráiteas.

Sadly at present Flavour bans have not been ruled out – but it is a start.

ETHRA reported this development on their website – EU Recognises Tobacco Harm Reduction With The BECA Report.

So still a long way to go but great to see EU Vapers are being considered and listened to – and hopefully this will pave the way to Vaping being more accepted outside of the UK!

Ar dtús a foilsíodh anseo.