Scientists to EU: "Misleading" statements on nicotine products

Twenty-three European scientists have sent a letter to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressing concerns about statements made by Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi. The scientists describe the Commissioner's statements as misleading, as they equate the risks of alternative nicotine products with those of conventional cigarettes.

In the letter, the scientists, experts in fields such as medicine and toxicology, emphasize that this equation could negatively affect public health, tax policy, and the European regulatory approach. They call on the President of the European Commission to take immediate corrective action.

The scientists warn that Commissioner Várhelyi's statements may affect European public health policy and tax policy on tobacco products. They also point to the risk of increased illegal trade if the market is regulated incorrectly. The letter was sent to various European institutions.

The scientists' intervention comes at a time of discussions in Brussels regarding the revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD) and possible changes to the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD).

In a related opinion, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has supported the revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive, stressing the need to adapt the European framework to market changes and the differentiation of new nicotine products from cigarettes.