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Welcome to the ENSP newsletter, your source of information on tobacco control across the WHO European Region. At ENSP, our mission is to end the tobacco epidemic and beat cancer through collaborative efforts, research, and advocacy.
Join us in our journey to achieve a tobacco- and nicotine-free world! |
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The "Scream Test" in Action:
Ombudsman Confirms No Conflict in Tobacco Control Contract |
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The European Ombudsman has dismissed a complaint challenging the impartiality of the European Commission’s framework contract on tobacco control policy. The case, brought by a tobacco and nicotine manufacturers’ organization, alleged a conflict of interest due to the involvement of the European Network for Smoking Prevention (ENSP) in the contract.
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Following a thorough inquiry, the Ombudsman concluded that the European Commission had properly assessed the situation and that ENSP’s participation posed no risk to the objectivity of the project. This decision reinforces the EU’s commitment to evidence-based tobacco control policies free from industry interference.
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The louder they scream, the stronger ENSP becomes |
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One way to measure the effectiveness of tobacco control policies is through the
"scream test". The more aggressively the industry fights against a measure (whether through lawsuits, lobbying, or misleading campaigns), the more likely it is to be a real threat to their profits and a win for public health. If the industry stays silent or indifferent, the health community might not be strong enough to create real change.
As we continue our fight for a tobacco-free future, this ruling marks an important step in ensuring that public health remains a priority over corporate interests.
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Open Letter: 12 Countries urge the EU to tackle vaping |
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A coalition of 12 European countries, led by the Netherlands, is calling on the European Commission to take urgent action on new nicotine products, warning that current EU tobacco legislation is outdated and failing to protect young people.
In a letter addressed to Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, the ministers demand a long-overdue revision of the Tobacco Products Directive, which has remained unchanged since 2014. |
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The EU had initially pledged to update the directive as part of its Beating Cancer Plan, but progress has stalled, leaving a dangerous gap in regulation—one that the tobacco and nicotine industry has exploited.
The signatories, including Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovenia, and Spain, argue that the rise of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches among young people is a growing public health concern. These products, often flavored and aggressively marketed on social media, have become a gateway to nicotine addiction for a new generation.
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The ministers are pushing for stricter EU-wide rules, including limits on nicotine levels, comprehensive flavor bans, and plain packaging for all nicotine products. They are also urging the Commission to regulate online sales and hold social media platforms accountable for the marketing of these products. With this letter, these 12 countries are making it clear: the EU cannot afford to delay action any longer. The tobacco industry has adapted: it's time EU legislation does too. |
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Concerns over the lack of information on the publication of the 2025 calls for Operating Grants under the EU4Health programme |
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The members of the EU4Health Civil Society Alliance ask in a new joint statement for transparent information on the operating grants for 2025 under the EU4Health programme.
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As of March 2025, no information is available on the operating grants supporting civil society for this year, although a framework partnership agreement has been organised for 2025 and 2026. This contributes to growing difficulties for health civil society organisations, and endangers their ability to implement their activities.
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The statement asks for the operating grants, once available, to cover the activities retroactively from January until the end of the year. It also calls for funding opportunities for civil society organisations that were not eligible for the Framework Programme Agreements or could not apply. |
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News from across the Network |
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7 May | Spring Webinar on Nicotine Pouches and White Snus
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Register now for an insightful webinar on the rising trend of nicotine pouches (white snus), particularly among young people. The German Network for Tobacco Free Healthcare Services supports the theme of World No Tobacco Day 2025 and aims to shed light on how the industry markets addiction, promoting demand reduction efforts and supporting public health in the long term. |
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EuroHealthNet Policy Brief |
Reducing tobacco and nicotine-based products consumption |
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This policy brief presents key policy recommendations and examples of inspiring practices based on discussions and findings from EuroHealthNet’s 2024 Country Exchange Visit in Budapest. The Exchange Visit brought together experts and public health professionals from across Europe to share insights and strategies for reducing tobacco and nicotine consumption. ENSP Secretary General, Cornel Radu-Loghin, highlighted ENSP’s role in European tobacco control, its alignment with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and the challenges posed by regulatory inertia, industry influence, and the need for stronger national and EU-wide initiatives.
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ENSP YouTube | A new podcast series |
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Tobacco-free Talks is a new podcast series where different guests (from different countries) will have conversations about smoking, tobacco control and much more. In this first episode, Irene Possenti and Marco Scala, researchers from the Mario Negri Institute, EUREST-RISE Secondees hosted by ENSP, talk about the representation of smoking in the media, in music, and in particular in the recent 2025 Sanremo Festival. |
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Report | Industry influencer: how tobacco content is infiltrating social media |
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Tobacco content is flooding social media, reaching millions through influencers—often without clear disclosures. This Truth Initiative report exposes how the industry sidesteps regulations, using viral trends to market nicotine products to young audiences. As tobacco makes a comeback in pop culture, stronger policies and consumer awareness are more crucial than ever. |
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Final Fellows Summit | The School for Moral Ambition |
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On 28 March, the final Fellowships Summit of The School for Moral Ambition took place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. For the past 7 months, a diverse group of 22 dedicated professionals, united by their commitment to impact, changed their careers for a higher goal. Some were consultants, lawyers, or marketers — all have now dedicated their expertise to addressing two of today's most pressing challenges: accelerating the protein transition and combating the tobacco industry. ENSP has been involved in this programme as a host institution and had the pleasure to guide and be guided by Fundraising expert Alex Nedeltchev,
Within the summit, the fellows shared their stories alongside some of the host institutions representatives. ENSP Secretary General was also part of the Tobacco Control panel with his unique approach to moral ambition through his over 20-years-career dedicated to fighting tobacco consumption. |
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Alarming Big Tobacco EU lobby |
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Tobacco lobbyists are outpacing health organizations in the EU Parliament, with nearly 40 meetings in recent months—triple those of health advocates. Philip Morris leads the push, targeting conservative MEPs, while the EU Tobacco Products Directive review stalls. Tabaknee has exposed a list of MEPs meeting with the industry. It’s time to hold them accountable and demand stronger public health policies. |
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All publications from the TPC Journal can be found here. |
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Salma R. Al-Kalbani
Pierre Laloux, Nora Mélard, Vincent Lorant
Amogh Bandekar, Kim Bayha, Ashley Finke, Vanessa Mallory, Michael F. Dulin, Michael E. Thompson
Christopher Heidt, Katrin Schaller
Martha Swanson, Luisa C. Masclans, James M. Davis
Ana Paula Coelho Figureira Freire, Eric Foch, Bruna Aparecida Santos Medina, Juliana Souza Uzeloto, Marceli Rocha Leite, Bruna Spolador de Alencar Silva, Marina Politi Okoshi, Francis Lopes Pacagnelli |
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Share your work and promote your activities among 3.500+ colleagues in Europe and around the globe via The Network - ENSP newsletter |
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