Sweden Praised for Safer Approach
Sweden has been praised for its stand against European restrictions on safer alternatives to smoking, according to harm reduction organisation Smoke Free Sweden
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by Dave Cross
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International health experts are applauding Sweden for opposing restrictions on safer alternatives to cigarettes in other EU member states and warn that blanket restrictions on nicotine products simply fuel the smoking epidemic. The Swedish government has taken unprecedented action to challenge Spain's proposed regulations on tobacco-free nicotine pouches, commonly known as “white snus”, which would severely limit consumer access to these reduced-risk products.
Swedish Foreign Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa has announced that Sweden has submitted a “Detailed Opinion” to the European Union regarding Spain's proposal. A Detailed Opinion is a powerful diplomatic tool that forces a three-month suspension of the Spanish regulation.
This marks the first time Sweden has used this regulatory mechanism for nicotine-related issues.
“Sweden must be commended for acting to protect access to products that are saving lives around the world,” said Dr Delon Human, a global public health advocate and leader of Smoke Free Sweden.
“Spain’s extremely far-reaching proposal would remove most tobacco-free nicotine pouches from the market by imposing arbitrary nicotine limits and banning all flavours except tobacco, that would effectively condemn smokers to continue smoking far more harmful combustible cigarettes.
"Sweden has virtually eradicated smoking by providing adult smokers with less harmful alternatives that are accessible, acceptable and affordable.
"Its approach has resulted in the lowest smoking rates in Europe and significantly reduced tobacco-related mortality. We cannot stand by while other EU countries implement scientifically unfounded regulations that would push consumers back to cigarettes.”
Sweden has reduced its smoking rate to 5.3% through policies that recognise the relative risks of nicotine products and allow adult consumers to access less harmful alternatives.
The average smoking rate in the European Union is almost five times higher than Sweden’s at 24%.
Minister Dousa promised that Sweden would not introduce any bans on pouches, so long as the government remains in power. He said Sweden is also considering similar action opposing French restrictions on nicotine pouches, further showing its commitment to rational harm reduction policies throughout Europe.
Smoke Free Sweden is calling on the European Commission as well as member states to prioritise evidence-based regulation that distinguishes between combustible tobacco products and significantly less harmful alternatives.
Dr Human concluded: “We urge policymakers to focus on the end goal - reducing smoking-related deaths - rather than implementing blanket restrictions that protect cigarette markets.
“The stakes could not be higher. Every policy that restricts access to reduced-risk products inevitably benefits the cigarette industry and costs lives. Sweden’s stance against these disproportionate regulations represents a crucial defence of public health principles.”
Smoke Free Sweden says it is a movement which encourages other countries to follow the Swedish model when it comes to Tobacco Harm Reduction. The organisation believes that Sweden’s smoke-free success can be attributed to its open attitude towards regulated alternative nicotine products.
References:
- Smoke Free Sweden - www.smokefreesweden.org
Photo Credit:
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash, resized and effect added
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
