A global alliance of vapers gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to call on European policymakers to stand against possible bans on flavored vaping products. The World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) displayed an art installation in front of the European Parliament with a simple message – “Flavors help smokers quit.”
This marks the third event of WVA’s Europe-wide campaign #FlavoursMatter, according to a press release. The campaign was launched with one aim: to show policymakers in Europe and across the world that vape flavors are instrumental for smoking cessation.
The group hosted demonstrations in Stockholm, Sweden and the Hague, Netherlands in March 2022. Shortly after the demonstration, a postponement of the Dutch vape flavor ban by six months was announced in the Netherlands.
“Flavors play a crucial role in helping consumers quit smoking – millions of Europeans have already stopped by switching to vaping. The variety of flavors is one of the most important reasons many people switch to e-cigarettes and never go back to smoking. We have already seen that vaping works,” says Michael Landl, director of World Vapers’ Alliance. “It helped millions of people change their lives and now, we need policies to catch up. Therefore, we are delighted that some MEPs are with us and help to defend vaping flavors.”
The installation was attended by Member of the European Parliament Pietro Fiocchi.
“We all agree that not smoking is the best choice, but we also know very well that tax increases and limitations are not working solutions. I do strongly believe that alternative systems to traditional smoking are the biggest instrument to greatly reduce the percentage of lung diseases and cancer,” said Fiocchi. “Any ideological approach against such systems is negative and against any scientific data.”