The good, the bad and the unsure: Europe divided over health benefits of e-cigs

While the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) provides a common regulatory framework for e-cigarettes across the European Union, the attitude of public health authorities still varies widely, from highly positive in the UK to strongly antagonistic in Finland, for example.

Between these extremes, other EU nations such as France, Spain and The Netherlands are still monitoring the potential use of e-cigarettes as an alternative to traditional tobacco.

Governments and ministries constantly monitor the latest developments, but in general – except in a few countries like the UK – they prefer to take a conservative position on the use and promotion of vaping products. In this they are following the “precautionary principle”, treating a product or activity as if it might be dangerous until it is proven safe, rather than vice-versa.