The European Heart Network (EHN) has joined more than 80 European and international public health organisations in signing an open letter calling for stronger European Union action to address youth nicotine addiction. The coalition urges policymakers to strengthen prevention and protection measures, close regulatory loopholes and ensure that all nicotine products are covered by a comprehensive regulatory framework to better protect young people from addiction and its long-term health consequences.
Addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the letter highlights the growing public health challenge posed by nicotine addiction among young people and urges the EU to strengthen prevention, protection and regulation measures. The signatories stress that nicotine addiction is often established during adolescence and can lead to long-term dependence, with significant consequences for health and well-being.
The coalition warns that the rapid emergence of new nicotine products, including synthetic nicotine and nicotine analogues, is increasing young people’s exposure to nicotine through products often designed and marketed to appeal to younger audiences. Preventing early nicotine exposure is therefore essential to achieving the EU’s objective of creating a tobacco-free generation by 2040.
The organisations call on the European Commission to adopt a more comprehensive and future-proof regulatory approach. While recognising the important role of the current Tobacco Products Directive, they advocate for its revision into a broader Tobacco and Nicotine Products Directive that would ensure coherent regulation of all nicotine-containing products and close existing regulatory gaps.
The letter also highlights the cardiovascular consequences of nicotine and tobacco use, noting that tobacco remains a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Protecting young people from nicotine addiction is therefore not only a matter of tobacco control but also an important step in reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease across Europe.
Read the full open letter: Youth Nicotine Addiction: From Prevention to Protection – No More Delays, Time to Act Together.