More and more Swedish politicians are getting involved in the issue of nicotine pouches in the EU. After France's total ban, criticism is now growing - even from unexpected quarters. Swedish S politicians are not only calling for action against the French ban - they are also raising the issue of harm minimisation when the EU's new tobacco directive is being negotiated.
More and more Swedish politicians are fighting for nicotine pouches in the EU. When France banned both the sale and possession of nicotine pouches - a product used by around 900,000 Swedes (11%) - the Socialist Group in the European Parliament launched an intensive campaign to raise awareness of the issue with the European Commission.
”Swedes risk very harsh penalties in France for a product that is common and considered part of our culture”, says MEP Johan Danielsson (s) to the newspaper EU News Italy. ”This is not a serious public health policy. It is a disproportionate ban that is not rooted in reality.”
Call for an end to meetings in Strasbourg
The Socialist Group in the European Parliament has gone so far as to call for a halt to all meetings in Strasbourg, France - where several votes take place on the spot - as long as the French ban threatens Swedish snus users staying in the country.
”If France goes ahead with such extreme sanctions, the European Parliament cannot continue to meet in Strasbourg as if nothing has happened. We have asked the President to intervene and suspend the sessions until the French authorities reconsider the decision.”.
Asks the European Commission about legality
The Socialists also raise the issue of violations of free movement as a direct consequence of the French ban. In a letter to the European Commission President von der Leyen demands answers.
”We have asked Mrs von der Leyen whether she considers this ban to be proportionate. If so, she must explain the scientific basis for it. If not, she must indicate what measures she intends to take to defend free movement and the single market”, Johan Danielsson told EU News Italy.
Unexpected turn in Swedish politics
The announcement marks a clear change of course. In Sweden, the Social Democrats have previously pushed for tougher rules around both e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, including by proposing a flavour ban. However, the proposals have voted down in Parliament. At the same time, discussions continue within the EU, not least in view of the revision of the European Tobacco Products Directive (TPD).
”In my opinion, the government should not make concessions in the negotiations on the tax directive without knowing what it will get in the future revision of the TPD. If Sweden is to drop its veto, there must be a clear guarantee that the snuff tradition will be protected”, says Johan Danielsson.
He also criticises the priorities of other EU countries:
”I find it strange that some countries see nicotine under the lip as the biggest problem. In France, 25% of smokers are under 25, compared to 3% in Sweden. Among young people in Europe, an average of 6% use e-cigarettes, compared to 2% who use nicotine pouches. The prioritisation seems somewhat odd.”
The government: “The Social Democrats are dizzy”
According to the Minister for Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa is pleased that the Social Democrats are now getting involved - but he describes the move as late.
”I welcome the fact that the Social Democrats have now giddily discovered this issue, but can assure them that the government will continue to stand up for Swedish snus users,” writes Benjamin Dousa in a debate article in Expressen.
Diplomatic solution underway
According to Benjamin Dousa, a diplomatic process is currently underway to facilitate Swedes travelling to France.
- In addition to our previous contacts and the use of the detailed opinion, we took a new initiative last week. We presented a proposal to France to allow temporary visitors, such as tourists from other EU countries, to bring small quantities of white snus without being penalised.
Sweden also acts in other EU countries
As Vejpkollen previously reported, the Swedish government has also acted over the past year to stop the introduction of restrictions on nicotine pouches in Spain and Austria. It has also opposed the proposed EU tax increase on white snus.
