EU to Abstain from COP11 Vote Amid Deep Internal Divisions
The European Union will abstain from voting at the upcoming 11th session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP11) in Geneva, following months of internal disagreement over how to regulate tobacco and nicotine products. The decision marks a rare and public fracture in EU health policy, reportedly driven by the European Commission’s hardline anti-tobacco stance.
Key Points
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Date & Venue: November 17–22, Geneva, Switzerland
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Agenda Focus: Review of Articles 9 and 10 on product regulation and emissions disclosure
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EU Decision: Abstention due to failed consensus under the Danish EU Council Presidency
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Divisions:
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Progressive bloc (France, Ireland, Finland) supports strict rules, including flavour bans and plain packaging
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Cautious bloc (Germany, Greece, Sweden, Eastern Europe) favours moderation and harm reduction
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Background: Leaked Oct. 7 draft suggested possible bans on vapes, heated tobacco and pouches
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Expert Warning: Overregulation risks pushing users back to cigarettes or illicit markets
EU Confirms Non-Participation in COP11 Vote
November 18, 2025 — According to Brussels Signal, the European Union will not participate in the vote at the 11th session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC COP11), taking place in Geneva from November 17 to 22. This move follows months of internal disagreement among EU member states on regulating tobacco and new nicotine products.
COP11 Overview: Global Negotiations on Tobacco and Nicotine Policy
COP11 gathers representatives from 183 nations to evaluate progress and negotiate updates on tobacco regulation, illicit trade, and emerging nicotine alternatives like e-cigarettes and heated-tobacco products.
The debate will focus on revising Articles 9 and 10, which govern product contents and emissions disclosure issues postponed from COP10 due to lack of agreement.
Danish Presidency Fails to Unite EU Member States
Under Denmark’s rotating presidency, the EU attempted to form a unified position but was unable to overcome internal divides. Insiders have attributed the failure to the European Commission’s uncompromising, strongly anti-tobacco stance, which sought to extend strict rules across all nicotine products, including those used for cessation and harm-reduction purposes.
Two Blocs Emerge: Strict Regulation vs. Harm Reduction
Member states have split into two clear camps:
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Progressive bloc — France, Ireland, and Finland support strong measures such as flavour bans, plain or restrictive packaging, and filter prohibitions.
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Cautious bloc — Germany, Greece, Sweden, and several Eastern European states promote a more moderate approach, highlighting consumer choice, economic considerations, and the role of reduced-risk products in harm reduction.
Leaked Draft Fuels Backlash and Industry Concerns
A leaked EU draft paper dated October 7 proposed “strong regulation or potential bans” on vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches.
The document triggered intense backlash from harm-reduction advocates and industry groups, who argue that sweeping restrictions could reverse declines in smoking rates and increase illicit trade.
Attempts at Compromise Collapse Once Again
The Danish presidency acknowledged that its proposed “landing zone” compromise could not reconcile the competing positions. Similar rifts also obstructed progress at COP10 last year, demonstrating a persistent divide in EU nicotine policy.
Mixed Reactions from Public Health and Consumer Advocacy Groups
Public health organisations such as the NCD Alliance warned that a weakened EU presence at COP11 could open the door for stronger tobacco industry influence.
Conversely, the World Vapers Alliance welcomed the abstention as “a win for consumer choice,” arguing that it maintains space for evidence-based policymaking instead of ideological restrictions.
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