Embracing harm reduction at COP11 is key to truly reducing global smoking rates, says WHO

Brussels – With the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) just around the corner (17–22 November 2025, Geneva), the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA) is urging the WHO and its member states to prioritize harm reduction in the global tobacco control debate.

IEVA applauds the global effort to reduce smoking rates, but cautions that disregarding scientific evidence on vaping and harm reduction could undermine decades of progress. Millions of smokers may be left without access to effective, less harmful alternatives if the WHO continues to treat all nicotine products as equally harmful.

Dustin Dahlmann, President of IEVA, stated, “COP11 presents an opportunity to bring scientific balance and evidence-based thinking into the global debate. If the WHO and governments continue to overlook harm reduction, the decline in smoking rates could stall — or even reverse.”

While the WHO recently announced a sharp decline in global smoking rates, this trend is not reflected in data from EU member states. In fact, smoking prevalence has actually increased in Germany, the most populous EU country, over the past decade to 34.1%, compared to the EU average of around 24%. This is in stark contrast to the United Kingdom, where smoking prevalence has fallen to about 12%, thanks to a government strategy that actively supports smokers in switching to e-cigarettes. [1]

The use of e-cigarettes among adolescents is low, with only 1.5% of German adolescents using them compared to four times as many who smoke. [2] [3] While youth protection is essential, IEVA stresses that adult smokers must have access to appealing alternatives, with flavors and at a lower cost than traditional cigarettes, in order to achieve real reductions in smoking rates.

IEVA’s Key Recommendations are as follows:

– Recognize harm reduction as a critical part of the solution
– Ensure balanced, evidence-based communication
– Promote proportionate and pragmatic regulation
– Recognize the crucial role of flavors
– Support national harm reduction strategies

According to IEVA, the WHO should acknowledge that vaping products, when responsibly regulated, are significantly less harmful than smoking and have been proven effective in helping smokers quit. The organization also stresses the importance of including independent scientific voices and peer-reviewed research in COP discussions and WHO communications, in order to ensure that global audiences receive a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

In regards to regulation, IEVA recommends that policymakers develop frameworks that protect youth and non-smokers, while still allowing access for adult smokers who wish to switch to safer alternatives. Additionally, the organization highlights the importance of flavors in helping adult smokers successfully transition away from cigarettes, citing evidence from several studies. IEVA warns that flavor bans could lead to a collapse in the market and an increase in illicit trade, ultimately undermining public health goals.

IEVA also calls on the WHO and FCTC delegates to encourage member states to integrate harm reduction into their national public health approaches, rather than implementing restrictive measures that could drive consumers back to smoking or illegal markets.

The scientific case for harm reduction is strong, with the Cochrane Review (2025) reporting that vaping is more effective for smoking cessation than traditional nicotine replacement therapies. [4] The UK Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (2022) also states that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. [5] Flavour studies have shown that flavors and product diversity play a crucial role in helping adult smokers transition away from cigarettes. [6] [7] IEVA also lists over 100 studies on electronic cigarettes on their website. [8]

Dustin Dahlmann concluded, “We must move beyond ideology and focus on outcomes. Science shows that vaping helps smokers quit and reduces harm. A smoke-free future is only achievable if harm reduction and the availability of vaping flavors are recognized as central pillars of tobacco control.”

IEVA is the only pan-European association aimed at uniting national associations, companies, manufacturers, and wholesalers in the vaping industry and providing them with responsible representation at the European level. The organization’s founding principle is to contribute to harm reduction and public health, as they believe that e-cigarettes have a significant positive impact and should be recognized as a harm reduction tool because vaping is not smoking.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA)

President: Dustin Dahlmann

Press coordinator: Philip Drögemüller

Phone: +32 (2) 791 7759

E-Mail: p.droegemueller@eurovape.eu

Web: www.eurovape.eu

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