Geneva, Switzerland – On Thursday, October 30th, 2025, the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) organized a light show protest at the venue of the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to expose the alleged collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) Commission. The protest aimed to bring attention to the lack of consumer representation in decisions that could potentially harm harm reduction products, such as vaping and nicotine pouches, which are currently facing stricter regulations through coordinated lobbying efforts.
According to leaked documents from the EU Commission, they plan to propose harsher regulations at COP11, including bans on flavors and potentially even a complete prohibition of these products. However, when questioned, Commission officials deny any such intentions.
Director of the WVA, Michael Landl, stated, “The EU Commission is writing bans into their official COP position, but then denies it. They are lobbying for stricter rules at the WHO, and then turning around and insisting that Europe must follow because the WHO said so. This is a rigged game designed to circumvent democratic processes and suppress consumer voices. The WHO and the EU Commission have formed an unholy alliance of misinformation and overreach.”
Both the EU Commission and the WHO’s positions disregard the proven benefits of harm reduction products. By targeting vaping and nicotine pouches for restrictions or bans, there is a risk of pushing millions of smokers back to the more harmful habit of smoking. This approach ignores scientific evidence and overlooks the success stories of individuals who have successfully quit smoking thanks to these less harmful alternatives.
Alberto Gomez Hernandez, Policy Manager of the WVA, added, “Banning flavors and imposing strict restrictions on less harmful alternatives will not protect anyone. Instead, it will force smokers back to cigarettes or the black market. Consumers deserve a genuine seat at the table, not exclusion and predetermined outcomes.”
COP11 is scheduled to take place from November 17th to 22nd. The WVA’s “Voices Unheard – Consumers Matter” campaign calls on governments to reject undemocratic restrictions and to finally listen to consumer voices and scientific evidence.
For Media Inquiries:
Michael Landl
Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance
michael@worldvapersalliance.com
High-resolution photos can be found here.
About the World Vapers’ Alliance:
The World Vapers’ Alliance is an organization that amplifies consumer voices globally and advocates for evidence-based regulations that support harm reduction. They fight for policies based on science and consumer rights.
