European lawmakers growing more polarised on vaping and nicotine pouches, survey finds
November 12, 2025
Photo: iStock
European policymakers are becoming increasingly divided in their views on e-cigarettes and other novel nicotine products, according to new research from Tamarind Intelligence, the publisher of ECigIntelligence and TobaccoIntelligence.
The company’s fourth survey of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) reveals deepening splits on both the perceived risks and the potential public health benefits of vaping, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products.
While a majority (60%) of MEPs now regard novel nicotine products as less harmful than smoking, up slightly from previous surveys, a significant 33 per cent believe they are equally or more harmful. Only 7 per cent remain undecided, indicating a decline in neutral opinions and a growing polarisation of views.
MEPs were particularly divided on whether such products help existing smokers quit or entice non-smokers to start. Although many accept that vapes and similar products can support smoking cessation, a rising number expressed concern that nicotine pouches, in particular, could encourage nicotine uptake among non-smokers.
Attitudes toward taxation and regulation also showed sharp contrasts. Around half of MEPs believe novel nicotine products should be taxed less heavily than traditional cigarettes, reflecting their reduced-risk profile. However, a majority felt that advertising restrictions should remain just as stringent.
Most MEPs support the continued legality of online sales, but opinions were far more divided on whether flavours should face tighter controls – an issue expected to remain central in upcoming European policy debates.
According to Tamarind, the findings reinforce a consistent trend observed since its first survey in 2020: greater familiarity with novel nicotine products tends to correspond with more favourable perceptions of their relative risk.
“MEPs are not a monolithic group, and this latest survey confirms considerable differences in opinion – not just on questions around novel nicotine products in general, but also on the relative merits of vape, pouches and heated tobacco,” said Barnaby Page, editorial director at Tamarind Intelligence.
“On many key issues, however, we can see indications of hardening views among MEPs, with more distinct ‘pro’ and ‘anti’ camps and fewer ‘don’t knows’,” Page added.
The findings come as EU policymakers prepare for potential updates to tobacco and nicotine regulations, including a possible revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD).
Last month, a leaked European Commission document has sparked uproar among harm reduction advocates and industry groups, after revealing plans to support potential bans on vapes and nicotine pouches at the upcoming COP11 meeting of the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
