Conflict of interest in tobacco control
17.4.2023
Priority question for written answer P-001241/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Sara Skyttedal (PPE)
Earlier this year it was announced that the Single Framework Contract for Support Actions in the Field of Tobacco Control[1]was awarded to three contractors, including the European Network for Smoking Prevention[2](ENSP).
The ENSP lobbies the Commission on tobacco policy and advocates for a total ban on safer nicotine products. The question of how to regulate safer ways of consuming nicotine, such as e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches, in order to minimise tobacco-related mortality is an important issue. Many tobacco control organisations and consumers support the development and use of safer nicotine products.
In its resolution on strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer[3], Parliament stated that e-cigarettes can play a positive role in reducing the use of traditional cigarettes. The ENSP holds the opposite view.
- 1.Against this backdrop, does the Commission see any risk of a conflict of interest with regard to the ENSP and the Single Framework Contract?
- 2.How will the Commission ensure a broad range of views is taken into account in its tobacco policy?
- 3.How will consumers of safer nicotine products be involved in policy development?
Submitted: 17.4.2023