Watch: Maltese MEP Calls For More Research On Effects Of Vapes But Parliament Is In Deadlock
Maltese MEP Peter Agius called for the European Union to conduct more research into the harmful effects of vapes and smoking outside but the majority of the European Parliament disagreed that it should take a position.
Agius delivered a speech in plenary yesterday, noting that the balance between regulation and personal liberties is delicate and calling for increased research in the sector.
His main argument is that “smoking is not cool and vapes should not be allowed to be marketed as cool” and therefore, the EU should conduct more research into the effects of vaping in order to confidently determine whether their use in public spaces should be limited and issue a recommendation to member states.
But, this all started with a proposed recommendation issued by the European Commission
The Commission sought to amend a current 2009 recommendation on a smoke-free environments to cover emerging products – like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products and to extend the coverage to key outdoor areas – like public playgrounds, amusement parks, swimming pools, transport stops and public buildings.
MEPs from the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew Europe, and The Left group subsequently drafted a resolution which supported this recommendation and wanted to include other aerosol-emitting products. However, this didn’t get the votes to pass.
Agius explained that it was evident that the Commission did not have sufficient research to back its proposal. So, the EPP drafted an alternative resolution. One of the clauses calls for Europe to conduct more research so that a robust recommendation for member states to regulate these smoking products can be issued. And while Parliament agreed that more research should be conducted (through voting for that specific clause) it decided that it shouldn’t take a position on this matter, so the EP did not formally react to the Commission’s proposed recommendation on smoke-free environments.
Nonetheless, Agius is resolute in his desire to see more research in this sector to ensure that all bases are being covered with these newer and potentially harmful smoking devices.
Agius told Lovin Malta that when he visited the campuses of University and MCAST, he noted the intense marketing of single-use vapes, the different colours and flavours try to portray vapes as “cool” but “they’re not and shouldn’t be marketed as such”.
“I’m cautious, however, on limiting personal liberties without solid research when it comes to smoking outside and in defined public areas. I want to see more research in Europe on this and would rather act on a product if it’s harmful rather than acting on consumer behaviour before having the facts in hand,” he said.
During his speech, Agius explained that the proposal made it clear that the Commission is doubting whether it has a solid scientific basis to ban vapes or tell citizens they can not smoke outside. In fact, he continued, an impact assessment wasn’t even conducted. So, to effectively combat the rise of vaping, the European Commission needs to understand it more.
Next steps
This is unlikely considering that it did not receive the support from the elected representatives.
Now that the EP hasn’t taken a position on this proposed recommendation, the Commission must choose one of two options. It can either go out with the recommendation as is which is unlikely considering that it did not receive the support from the elected representatives (MEPs)
Or it can go back to the drawing board and propose a different recommendation.
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