World No Tobacco Day was marked in the European Parliament on 2 June with a high-level discussion on the future of tobacco and nicotine regulation in the EU amid growing concerns about the rise of new nicotine products.
Organised by the European Respiratory Society (ERS), on behalf of the European Chronic Disease Alliance, the “Say No to Nicotine” event brought together Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and public health experts to discuss the future of tobacco and nicotine regulation in the EU.
Discussions focused on the upcoming revision of the EU Tobacco Products Directive (the EU-wide legislation covering tobacco products), which speakers described as a key opportunity to address gaps in existing regulation and respond to the rapid growth of new nicotine products.
Participants highlighted gaps in current regulation, with different rules applying across countries and product categories. Concerns were raised about loopholes and inconsistencies around flavourings, marketing practices and product classifications that can make nicotine products more appealing and accessible to young people.
Experts also warned about the growing popularity of newer products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Despite industry claims that these products are intended for adults, speakers highlighted concerns about rising uptake among young people.
Dr Filippos Filippidis, Chair of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee and moderator of the event, said:
“Young people are being targeted by the powerful tobacco industry, which continues to promote its harmful and addictive tobacco and nicotine products. We are at a crucial time for public health in Europe, as many of the regulations will soon be updated. We need to ensure that EU directives provide adequate protection for future generations. We know what works; implementing evidence-based policies can prevent nicotine addiction and millions of deaths.”
Dr Angela Ciobanu from WHO Europe added,
“The question is no longer whether nicotine and tobacco products are evolving. The question is whether public health policies can keep pace — preventing the introduction of new products and closing regulatory gaps to protect children and young people from nicotine addiction. Europe has an opportunity to take the lead in preventing a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine.”
As part of its wider commitment to tobacco control, the European Lung Foundation (ELF) supports these efforts through its involvement in ERS Tobacco Control Committee activities and projects that promote youth protection from tobacco and nicotine products, including FRESHAIR4Life and JA-SAFE. Members of both the ELF Council and ELF Youth Group contribute to this work, helping to ensure that patient and youth perspectives are represented in tobacco control advocacy and policy discussions.
ELF Council member Zena Powell attended the event on behalf of ELF. Reflecting on the discussions, she said:
“With tobacco, nicotine and vape products rapidly evolving, we must keep pace to protect young people. It was encouraging to hear discussions on future-proofing legislation, and the UK’s generational ban stood out as a bold and innovative approach to tobacco control that attracted considerable interest.”
These discussions show why patient voices are important in decisions about healthcare and public health. Together, their experiences demonstrated the need for both prevention and wider action to reduce avoidable health risks. By bringing patient perspectives into these discussions, ELF helps ensure that policies and healthcare approaches reflect the realities of living with lung conditions.
Zena Powell, ELF Council patient representative, at the “Say No to Nicotine” event in the European Parliament
Speakers agreed that the revision of the EU Tobacco Products Directive represents a critical moment for tobacco and nicotine regulation in Europe, offering an opportunity to address regulatory gaps and help prevent long-term negative health outcomes for the next generation.
The event highlighted a growing call for EU policy to move beyond managing tobacco use and ensure legislation can effectively address the challenges posed by new nicotine products in a rapidly changing market.
Say no to nicotine – ERS – European Respiratory Society
Youth Group – European Lung Foundation
Find out more about the EU Tobacco Products Directive at Product regulation – Public Health – European Commission
