Flavoured Vapes Could Be Banned Under EU Plans To Fight Cancer

Vapes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products could face much stricter rules under proposals backed by MEPs as part of the EU’s fight against cancer.

MEPs want European tobacco legislation updated to better cover newer nicotine products, with measures including plain packaging, restrictions on flavours, stricter ingredient reporting and stronger rules preventing online nicotine sales to minors.

The proposals form part of a wider review of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

On Monday, MEPs on the European Parliament’s Committee on Public Health adopted a resolution assessing the EU’s cancer strategy by 27 votes to 8, with 5 abstentions.

Beyond nicotine products, MEPs are calling for dedicated funding, stronger prevention policies and more equal access to cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment across the EU.

They want the EU’s next long-term budget to dedicate at least €10.05 billion to health, including €2.5 billion specifically for cancer-related action.

The wider plan also focuses on reducing differences between EU countries when it comes to screening programmes, access to medicines and specialist cancer treatment.

Rapporteur Vlad Voiculescu said cancer kills around 1.3 million Europeans every year, adding that stronger prevention and investment could help save hundreds of thousands of lives.

Cancer is currently the second-most common cause of death in the EU, while approximately one in two EU citizens is expected to be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.

Importantly, these measures are not yet law. They represent the direction MEPs want the EU to take as it updates its cancer strategy and considers future legislation.

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