And while there was significant opposition to the plan among lawmakers last week in Europe’s now more polarized Parliament, the capitals were able to largely align with Brussels’ intention.
To some who opposed it in the Parliament, the capitals’ vote is merely symbolic.
“I regret the voting outcome in the Health Council regarding the smoke-free environment topic,” said German lawmaker and doctor Peter Liese, “but I also believe it is a Pyrrhic victory for the opponents of e-cigarettes.” Liese, the health spokesperson for the European People’s Party, argues that vapes and cigarettes should not be treated equally, and that vapes can help smokers to quit.
In the Parliament, left-leaning MEPs had argued that a watered-down compromise steered by the center-right EPP and the European Conservatives and Reformists was too weak on vapes, while right-wing parliamentarians said that the European Union shouldn’t be legislating in this area.
Unlikely defense
Some national media reports on the move led to an unlikely defender of the EU process in Tuesday’s health ministers’ meeting — Hungary.
Its Health Minister Péter Takács, who chaired the meeting while Hungary holds the Council of the EU’s rotating presidency, said: “In many member states’ press we see some misunderstandings. This is a Council recommendation which means that there is no binding effect for member states.”
