The European Parliament has taken a notable stance on vaping’s role in harm reduction and smoking cessation. In a key vote, the Parliament rejected the resolution on the European Commission’s Recommendation for smoke- and aerosol-free environments. The Commission had proposed extending smoke-free regulations to outdoor spaces, such as terraces, festivals, parks, and cafés, while also banning vaping in these areas.

The resolution was rejected decisively (378 votes against, 152 in favor, 26 abstentions), leaving the European Parliament without an official position on the proposed smoke-free expansion. Crucially, this decision means the Parliament is not advocating for any changes to the current smoke-free environment regulations.

Amendments Supporting Harm Reduction and Smoking Cessation
Two amendments were approved, underscoring the Parliament’s recognition of vaping’s potential:

• Amendment 11: Acknowledges that “e-cigarettes could allow some smokers to progressively quit smoking” and urges the updated Council recommendation and national provisions to reflect this perspective (291 votes in favor, 259 against, 32 abstentions).
• Amendment 15: Reaffirms the principle of harm reduction, emphasizing that policies should be grounded in scientific evidence and proportionality (289 votes in favor, 266 against, 19 abstentions).

These amendments highlight a majority support within the European Parliament for evidence-based harm reduction policies and the recognition of vaping as a tool to help smokers transition away from combustible tobacco products.

IEVA President’s Statement
Dustin Dahlmann, President of the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA), welcomed the outcome:
“The European Parliament has repeatedly acknowledged that e-cigarettes can provide an alternative for smokers. Differentiating between vaping and smoking in EU regulations is essential. Vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking, and equating the two could discourage smokers from switching to this harm-reduced option.”

By endorsing harm reduction principles and the potential benefits of vaping, the European Parliament has signaled its commitment to pragmatic, science-driven public health policies.