Health ministers from 12 countries have urged the European Commission to take stronger measures against tobacco and novel nicotine products in a letter to Health Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi. The letter, dated 21 March, expresses concerns about the increasing use of new nicotine products among youth, cross-border distance sales, and the responsibility of social media platforms in promoting these products. The ministers call for swift and decisive action to protect the health of young people and create a smoke-free generation by 2040. They also question the delays in key anti-tobacco initiatives, such as the Tobacco Products Directive and Tobacco Taxation Directive, planned for 2022 and 2024, respectively.
The health ministers stress the need for the European Commission to prioritize and allocate resources for the revision of European tobacco control legislation to address the evolving market of tobacco and nicotine products. They urge the Commission to publish legislative proposals in 2025 that are aligned with the European Beating Cancer Plan. In particular, the ministers call for the development of future-proof EU legislation to reduce the attractiveness of e-cigarettes and other emerging nicotine products. This includes restrictions on flavors, nicotine levels, and packaging to protect children and prevent access to these products online.
In their letter, the ministers highlight the negative impact of online sale and cross-border trade of tobacco and nicotine products, which undermines national efforts to restrict access to these products. They call on the Commission to adopt proposals to effectively address challenges related to cross-border distance sales within member states. The ministers emphasize the importance of creating legislation that not only protects children from the harms of tobacco and nicotine products but also helps in achieving the goal of a smoke-free generation by 2040.
The health ministers from Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovenia, and Spain, along with the Netherlands, show a united front in urging the European Commission to prioritize tobacco control measures. They recognize the urgent need to address the rapidly evolving market of tobacco and nicotine products that pose a threat to the health of young people. By calling for stronger legislation and regulatory measures, the ministers aim to create a more protective environment that discourages the use of tobacco and novel nicotine products among youth.
The ministers also express their concerns about the delays in implementing key anti-tobacco initiatives under the European Beating Cancer Plan. They urge the Commission to publish legislative proposals by 2025 and ensure they are in line with the goals of creating a smoke-free generation by 2040. The health ministers stress the importance of taking action now to prevent further harm caused by tobacco and nicotine products, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents.
Overall, the letter from the health ministers underscores the importance of addressing the challenges posed by tobacco and novel nicotine products in Europe. By urging the European Commission to step up its fight against these harmful substances, the ministers demonstrate their commitment to protecting the health of the population and creating a future free from the harms of tobacco. Through stronger legislation and regulatory measures, the ministers hope to reduce the availability and attractiveness of tobacco and nicotine products, ultimately leading to a healthier and smoke-free generation in the years to come.
