‘Beating Cancer’ report becomes official EU policy with huge Parliament backing

The European Parliament has overwhelmingly adopted the Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA) report in a move that marks the first time a European institution has formally acknowledged reduced risk products could play a role in smoking cessation – with some caveats.

The parliament voted 652 in favour, 15 against and 27 abstaining during last week’s plenary session. The approved plan included “compromise amendments” on alternatives approved by 29 of 34 committee members in December.

“This is the first time Europe has a plan that has €4bn allotted to it for its actions. A plan that looks at the whole picture – first of all prevention. This is the most effective way to tackle cancer,” said health and food safety commissioner Stella Kyriakides.