Denmark and the European Commission Still Trying to Stop Nicotine Pouches

Despite weeks of intense negotiations in Brussels and a clear decision by the Member States not to include bans on new nicotine products in the EU’s mandate for COP11, the Danish Presidency and the European Commission are now pushing for sweeping restrictions at the WHO tobacco convention in Geneva. What is the Swedish delegation doing – and why are they silent?

EU Mandate Undermined at COP11
At the COP11 session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Geneva, a controversial process is currently underway. According to several sources, the Danish EU Presidency and the European Commission are still trying to bypass the common EU position agreed as recently as last Friday during the COREPER I meeting in Brussels. Member States decided not to include bans on new nicotine products in the mandate.

Despite this, Denmark and the Commission are now pushing for a global ban on the manufacture, import, distribution, presentation, sale, and use of innovative nicotine products – including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. This is happening during the COP11 negotiations, which has sparked strong criticism from several Member States who see it as an attempt to undermine the EU’s democratic decision-making process.

Will Have Far-Reaching Consequences
The proposals circulating risk having significant socio-economic consequences. In countries like Italy, the sector for new nicotine products employs over 100,000 people. A global ban would not only harm jobs and innovation but also undermine harm reduction strategies that many countries view as a tool to reduce tobacco-related harm.

Why Is the Swedish Delegation Silent?
Countries like Poland have openly criticized the process – as reflected in a tweet from Poland’s former Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechociński, questioning whether Polish authorities are safeguarding their interests.

The Swedish delegation, and voices from Swedish politicians, however, remain completely silent. The question is whether Sweden will stand up for the mandate agreed by Member States or allow the Commission and Denmark to push through a ban that contradicts the EU’s position. If Sweden does not defend white snus, it will soon be banned – a move that would have devastating consequences for global public health.