home page ← Buzz@Bruss! Edition #6
We have established this bulletin to periodically share the latest developments from Brussels on EU policymaking, JTI business developments and evolutions within the industry.
Our aim is to inform and stimulate thinking that leads to better, evidence-based policy debates. We seek to encourage collaboration and discussion across the full range of parties – policymakers, academia, civil society and consumers, as well the industry – so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone and everyone who may be interested in keeping up to date and join the exchanges and debates.
The statement by European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra that “…, vaping kills” clearly disregards scientific evidence that shows the reduced risk potential of new nicotine products vs traditional combustible tobacco.
At JTI, we believe this kind of narrative confuses consumers, threatens informed policymaking and ultimately stifles innovation. It’s time for a debate grounded in evidence – not ideology.
Read our response and about the latest scientific insights
on Reduced-Risk Products HERE →
At the recent Delphi Economic Forum, Lucine Ovumyan, JTI’s Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs & Communications, joined policymakers and experts on a panel to discuss the critical role of regulation in fostering innovation for a better future.
Lucine emphasized the transformative potential of next-generation nicotine products in driving tobacco harm reduction. She championed the OECD’s Agile Regulation model, underscoring the necessity for regulations to evolve flexibly and adaptively in tandem with technological and scientific advancements.
Overly restrictive policies, she noted, can backfire – driving consumers towards illicit markets and compromising safety standards. Now more than ever, smart, adaptable policymaking is the key to shaping the future of the new category.
Discover Lucine’s thoughts and views
in more depth HERE →
EVO NXT in Milan/Italy, a trade fair for innovative nicotine products, recently brought together key players in the reduced risk products industry from across Europe and beyond.
JTI’s Francesco Gaglioppa, EU Affairs Director and an expert on alternative nicotine product regulations, attended the conference and shared his findings on the sector’s perspective regarding the policy landscape, particularly in light of the upcoming revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and the inclusion of the Reduced-Risk Products (RRP) category.
the insights from the event
Illicit tobacco is more than lost taxes – it fuels organized crime, endangers public health, and destabilizes communities. With Europe losing billions in excise tax annually, the criminals exploit digital tools and geopolitical instability to expand their reach and grow their shadow operations. Europol’s recent SOCTA report draws an alarming picture of the syndicates undermining society at an accelerating pace.
JTI is supporting the fight against illegal tobacco production and distribution through innovative anti-illicit trade operations and strong partnerships. As Greece demonstrates, progress is possible with unified public-private collaboration. It’s time for Europe to step up and combat this escalating threat to our collective future.
the case study and a synopsis from the Europol report
Don’t miss out on these articles, discussion pieces and position papers:
Public health activists frame debates as “industry vs. public health,” sidelining consumer sovereignty and leveraging anti-capitalist sentiment.
Discover how the “The People vs. Paternalism” explores the tension between individual freedom and government control. A thought-provoking read on the balance of power and personal autonomy.
A new paper from the Institute of Economic Affairs challenges the idea that “unhealthy commodity industries” like tobacco, alcohol, food and gambling follow a uniquely manipulative ‘corporate playbook’.
“The Corporate Playbook” argues that the tactics these industries are accused of using, including lobbying, coalition-building, media engagement and legal threats, are standard across all sectors, including NGOs and public health groups themselves.
Your thoughts matter to us! Are there any issues you want us
to address and write about?
Get in touch! euaffairs@jti.com
