2.10.25 – Brussels. The World Vapers’ Alliance strongly condemns today’s statements by European Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, as reported by Politico, regarding plans to equalise taxes on vaping products with cigarettes. The Commissioner’s claims reveal a profound misunderstanding of tobacco harm reduction and threaten one of Europe’s most effective tools for saving lives.

Commissioner Várhelyi said at an event in Gastein, Austria, the EU will raise taxes on vapes and pouches to match cigarettes, pointing to rising youth vaping rates as evidence of harm. He also stated vaping is not ‘yet’ perceived as a danger, which ignores overwhelming scientific consensus showing vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking.

A public consultation on these tax proposals is open until the end of October, but the Commissioner has already dismissed citizens’ opinions by forming his view prematurely. This typical EU behaviour overlooks millions of people switching to safer alternatives, rendering the consultation completely pointless.

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

“Millions have reduced their health risks by switching from smoking to vaping, a scientifically supported fact. The Commission’s plan to equate vape taxes with cigarettes contradicts this reality and will only push people back to smoking. Ignoring the ongoing consultation shows the Commission puts its own agenda ahead of citizens.”

In September, 83 leading public health experts warned in a letter that the Commission’s tax plan ignores science and risks reversing progress. They urged fair taxation that reflects actual risks and praised the success of countries like the UK and Sweden in using harm reduction and balanced fiscal policies. The Commissioner also ignores them.

The European Commission must rethink its approach and back harm reduction, not undermine it.