In a statement after the vote, the National Assembly said “Parliament has failed to protect today’s children and young people” and accused the EPP and far-right groups of blocking “important recommendations” to extend a public ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. .
As a result, S&D Group said it “had no choice but to vote against the watered-down resolution in order to preserve the integrity of the smoke-free policy.”
Tiemo Wölken, S&D Coordinator at the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee, said: “We do not want EPPs to fight the biggest cause of cancer, but instead make e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products harmless.”
Michael Landl, director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, celebrated the vote, saying it “shows that facts and consumer choice can trump the fear-mongering and over-regulation that too often characterizes EU regulations.” “It is a blow to the creepy nanny state mentality that is being built,” he said.
This raises questions about next week’s meeting of health ministers, who are expected to sign off on the recommendations.
So far Italy and Romania have raised some concerns about the measure, according to a report by a pro-vaping outlet, but a parliamentary health official said the countries were expected to find an agreement at a meeting on December 1 before the parliament vote. 3.
Officials said the vote would not affect the commission’s position on next week’s plan, but “raises concerns” about revisions to the Tobacco Products Directive, which will require support from all EU institutions when ultimately presented by the commission . .
The council’s results were “bad news,” the official added.
