54,000 Voices Ignored: EU Health Ministers' Flavour Ban Push Threatens Public Health and Democracy
June 20 2024 - 3:00AM
54,000 Voices Ignored: EU Health Ministers' Flavour Ban Push
Threatens Public Health and Democracy
Vapers across Europe have raised the alarm before the EPSCO Council
meeting on Thursday, where Ministers will make an aggressive push
to ban flavours in safer nicotine products.
This move bypasses democratic processes and
disregards the voices of 54,000 citizens who have
signed a petition against such a ban organised by the World Vapers’
Alliance (WVA).
“Every year, 700,000 lives are
needlessly lost in the EU due to smoking-related diseases. By
recklessly pushing for a flavour ban on safer nicotine
alternatives, they are playing with lives and ignoring the clear
will of the people. It's time to stop this madness and listen to
science and the citizens they serve,” said Michael Landl,
Director of the World Vapers Alliance.
The European Commission has yet to consult the
public on a new Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). This delay has
left a void that Ministers aim to exploit, sidelining the necessary
scientific evaluation, public consultation, and parliamentary
scrutiny.
The European Commission’s initial Consultation
was marked by record numbers of submissions, primarily from
citizens supporting safer nicotine products.
Flavours play a significant role in helping
adult smokers transition away from cigarettes and maintain
abstinence from smoking. Ignoring this fact endangers public health
and disregards the overwhelming support from European citizens who
have voiced their opposition to a flavour ban.
The WVA calls in an open letter on EU Health
Ministers to reject the flavour ban proposal and instead focus on
policies that are informed by science and reflect the will of the
people. As the next iteration of the Tobacco Products Directive is
considered, it is imperative that EU policymakers recognize the
importance of alternative products in reducing smoking rates and
protecting public health. “This isn’t just about
regulation, it’s about lives. We must prioritize harm reduction and
listen to the voices of the people,” added Landl.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Michael LandlDirector of the World Vapers’
Allianceinfo@worldvapersalliance.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/593edf99-c863-4124-850c-03f163f3acbc