Independent European Vape Alliance Calls for Harm Reduction to Take Center Stage at Upcoming WHO Conference
As the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) approaches, the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA) is urging the World Health Organization (WHO) and its member states to prioritize harm reduction in the global tobacco control debate.
Scheduled for November 17-22, 2025 in Geneva, COP11 presents an opportunity for WHO and governments to recognize the scientific evidence supporting vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking. Failure to do so could jeopardize decades of progress in reducing smoking rates.
According to Dustin Dahlmann, President of IEVA, “COP11 is an opportunity to bring scientific balance and evidence-based thinking into the global debate. If WHO and governments continue to overlook harm reduction, the decline in smoking rates could stall – or even reverse.”
While the WHO has reported a global decrease in smoking rates, data from EU member states tells a different story. In Germany, the most populous EU country, smoking prevalence has actually increased over the past decade to 34.1%. This is significantly higher than the EU average of 24%, and even more concerning when compared to the United Kingdom’s smoking rate of 12%. The UK’s success in reducing smoking rates is attributed to their government’s support of e-cigarettes as a smoking alternative.
IEVA emphasizes that e-cigarettes are primarily used by adult smokers looking to quit tobacco. In Germany, only 1.5% of adolescents use e-cigarettes, four times less than the number of youth smokers. While protecting youth is a priority, IEVA stresses the importance of providing attractive alternatives for adult smokers, including a variety of flavors and affordable prices.
To ensure harm reduction is recognized as a vital part of the solution, IEVA has put forth several key recommendations for COP11:
1. Recognize harm reduction as part of the solution: WHO should acknowledge that vaping products, when responsibly regulated, are far less harmful than smoking and have been proven effective in helping smokers quit.
2. Ensure balanced, evidence-based communication: COP discussions and WHO communications must include independent scientific voices and peer-reviewed research, providing global audiences with a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
3. Promote proportionate and pragmatic regulation: Policymakers should develop frameworks that protect youth and non-smokers, while still allowing access for adult smokers who want to switch to safer alternatives.
4. Recognize the crucial role of flavors: Flavors have been proven to play a significant role in helping adult smokers transition away from cigarettes. Banning flavors could lead to a return to smoking or an increase in illicit markets.
5. Support national harm reduction strategies: WHO and FCTC delegates should encourage member states to incorporate harm reduction into their national public health plans, rather than implementing restrictive measures that could drive consumers back to smoking or illegal markets.
IEVA presents a strong scientific case for the effectiveness and safety of vaping as a smoking alternative. A Cochrane Review from 2025 found that vaping is more effective for smoking cessation than traditional nicotine replacement therapies. Additionally, the UK Office for Health Improvement and Disparities has stated that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking. Flavour studies have also shown that flavors are critical in helping adult smokers successfully transition away from cigarettes.
“We must move beyond ideology and focus on outcomes,” stated Dahlmann. “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.”
About IEVA:
The Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA) is the only pan-European association aimed at uniting national associations, companies, manufacturers, and wholesalers in the vaping industry. Their mission is to represent and promote responsible and evidence-based vaping in Europe and advocate for harm reduction and public health. For more information, visit www.eurovape.eu.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.