Quit Like Sweden

In response to the @EU_Commission's evaluation report on the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), published on 2 April 2026, Quit Like Sweden, alongside Professor @MarewaGlover and Dr Anders Milton, has formally submitted an evidence document to Commissioner @OliverVarhelyi, members of his cabinet, and senior officials in DG SANTE (@EU_Health). Our formal communication identifies a critical gap in the evaluation's treatment of non-combustible nicotine products. The evidence on their relative risk profile, their role in smoking cessation, and the real-world consequences of overly restrictive regulation deserves fuller consideration as the Commission prepares its revision. The supporting document draws on peer-reviewed literature, including sources cited within the Joint Research Centre's own report, and points to the experience of Sweden, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom as evidence that a large-scale transition away from combustible tobacco is achievable with proportionate, evidence-informed policy. We respectfully urge the Commission to ensure the forthcoming TPD revision draws on the full breadth of available evidence. Read the full document here: quitlikesweden.org/news/QLS_TPD_2…

“You cannot ban demand out of existence. What this policy has done is push consumers out of the regulated market and into illicit channels, while early indicators suggest some are being driven back to smoking. That is the opposite of what public health policy should be”. brusselstimes.com/2076002/dutch-…

Suely Castro, Director of Quit Like Sweden, reflects on Sweden’s progress in reaching a smoking rate of 3.7% according to CAN data “Other countries may lack that history [with snus], but the principle is simple: When smokers have access to lower-risk options, many switch.” filtermag.org/sweden-smoke-f…

The Regulatory Scrutiny Board (RSB), the European Commission’s internal watchdog on the quality of policymaking, notes that the report’s conclusions on tobacco legislation should stay within what the evidence supports, while properly reflecting uncertainties around its contribution to reducing smoking rates and the health impact of novel products. clearingtheair.eu/en/post/opinio…

"Vaping has overtaken smoking in the UK for the first time ever – a landmark moment that could reshape the future of tobacco control and marks a decisive shift away from combustible tobacco." clearingtheair.eu/en/post/vaping…

Italy argued that Ireland’s complete ban effectively acts as a quantitative restriction, which goes against the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) principle of free movement of goods. 2firsts.com/news/italy-for…

"Sweden reduced smoking by 54% in the same period by ensuring that safer alternatives to nicotine—such as snus, nicotine sachets, and e-cigarettes—are acceptable, accessible, and affordable." mohre.it/open-letter-fr…

Sweden has reached a historic milestone, with daily smoking falling to just 3.7%, according to CAN (the Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs). This progress reflects a pragmatic approach that combines strong tobacco control with access to lower-risk, non-combustible alternatives. As the EU considers new restrictions on these products, Sweden offers a clear real-world example of what can be achieved. Read the full article: linkedin.com/pulse/sweden-r…

Adult cigarette smoking in the United States has dropped below 10 %, while vaping use is increasing. This shift away from combustible tobacco highlights significant public health progress. clearingtheair.eu/en/post/vaping…

Rather than pursuing the unrealistic goal of eradicating the tobacco industry, policy efforts should encourage market competition that drives a rapid shift away from cigarettes toward lower-risk nicotine products, empowering consumers to make informed decisions. clivebates.substack.com/p/how-to-elimi…

Happy Easter to those who celebrate! And to everyone, we wish you a wonderful time with family and friends.

“This reflects a general bias against tobacco harm reduction. Researchers, like anyone else, are influenced by mainstream opinions and assumptions.” filtermag.org/vaping-cancer-…

"The report dismisses vaping as an ineffective quitting tool while ignoring the most rigorous independent reviews available, which consistently find that vaping outperforms traditional nicotine replacement for cessation." eureporter.co/general/2026/0…

The EU Commission concludes that its tobacco framework has been effective historically, yet it remains outdated in addressing new nicotine products. While traditional smoking continues to decline, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches are still treated as emerging risks, with little attention to their reduced harm compared to cigarettes. ec.europa.eu/commission/pre…

Swedish Socialist MEPs are pushing back against France’s proposed nicotine pouch law, under which Swedish citizens could face fines or even imprisonment simply for using a legal product while visiting France. They are calling for Strasbourg part-sessions to be suspended until proportionality is restored and citizens can travel without risk. clearingtheair.eu/en/post/plainl…

Sweden hits a historic smoke‑free milestone! 🇸🇪 The latest report from the Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAN) shows that daily smoking in Sweden fell to just 3.7 % in 2025. This achievement highlights the impact of strong tobacco control policies, harm reduction strategies, and public health advocacy. snusforumet.se/en/sweden-cros…

As the EU’s tobacco battle heats up, Sweden is pushing back, opposing the current approach to taxing nicotine pouches. With Europe’s lowest smoking rate, Sweden proves harm reduction works. euractiv.com/news/sharpenin…

It’s a common misconception that e‑cigarettes cause mental health problems. A new study shows the opposite. Young people already experiencing mental health challenges are more likely to start vaping. journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/10…

A new study in Addiction reinforces that vaping is among the most effective ways to quit smoking, offering smokers a powerful harm reduction and cessation tool. Read more: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.11… umass.edu/public-health-…

"A new overview of the best available evidence worldwide for smoking cessation has found that nicotine‑containing e‑cigarettes appear to be more effective for smoking cessation than other interventions such as nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, etc.) e-cigarettes with no nicotine, and behavioural support." eurekalert.org/news-releases/…