MEPs Vote Against Smoking Ban Proposal

The European Parliament failed to adopt stronger smoke-free policies in a vote criticized by the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group, which described the outcome as a missed opportunity to protect children and young people. In a statement, the S&D blamed the European People’s Party (EPP) and far-right groups for opposing key recommendations to expand bans on public use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

As a result, the S&D announced it had “no choice but to vote against the watered-down resolution” in order to uphold the integrity of smoke-free initiatives. Tiemo Wölken, the S&D’s coordinator on the environment, public health, and food safety committee, condemned the EPP for downplaying the dangers of smoking alternatives. “It is cynical and scandalous that the EPP does not want to combat the number one cause of cancer and instead falls for the tobacco lobby’s rhetoric that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are harmless,” he said.

In contrast, Michael Landl, director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, celebrated the decision, claiming it reflected a victory for facts and consumer freedom. “This vote demonstrates that facts and consumer choice can prevail over fearmongering and overregulation, striking a blow to the creeping nanny state mentality that has too often characterized EU regulations,” Landl said.

The vote adds uncertainty to discussions at an upcoming December 3 meeting of EU health ministers, where an agreement on tougher anti-smoking measures was expected to be finalized. However, concerns have already been raised by countries like Italy and Romania, according to a report by a pro-vaping outlet. Despite this, an EU Council health official had previously suggested that member states were likely to find common ground at the health ministers’ meeting.

The official further noted that the parliamentary vote, though non-binding, could complicate the future revision of the EU’s tobacco products directive, a key legislative overhaul requiring support from all EU institutions. “The Parliament’s outcome is bad news,” the official added, hinting at broader challenges for advancing anti-tobacco policies in Europe.