The EU Commission has announced in its “Global Health Strategy” that the new guiding principle will be to “prioritise tackling the root causes of ill health”. Unfortunately, the strategy fails to tackle one of the leading causes of ill health — smoking. Tobacco harm reduction must be included in such a strategy to combat smoking-induced illnesses says campaigning group the World Vapers’ Alliance.

Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, commented: “The EU Commission is ignoring science and consumer voices again. Tobacco harm reduction must become a key element of all health policies for the EU. Seven hundred thousand people die each year due to smoking, and at the same time, the Commission fights against less harmful alternatives. The science is clear: vaping is far less harmful than smoking and is one of the most effective smoking cessation aids. Consumers demand the Commission to accept this reality finally.”

The World Vapers’ Alliance delivered a petition signed by more than 4,000 EU citizens to the Members of Parliament and voiced their concerns about the negative attitude towards vaping within the EU institutions. The petition asked the EU to embrace tobacco harm reduction and refrain from flavour bans and higher taxation.

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