In this episode of Vaping Unplugged, we sit down with Peter Beckett from Clearing the Air to unpack a troubling claim shaking EU policymaking: that thousands of consumer responses to an EU consultation on taxing nicotine products are supposedly “fake.”

An obscure NGO called Impact Unfiltered alleged that more than 18,000 consumer submissions were little more than tobacco industry manipulation — a claim the European Commission is reportedly taking seriously.

But is there any evidence to back it up? Peter walks us through Clearing the Air’s investigation into these accusations, explaining why the claims don’t hold up, how GDPR protections were misrepresented as “anonymity,” and why equating shared language with industry coordination is a fundamental analytical failure.

The conversation also digs into who Impact Unfiltered actually is, where the narrative originated, and why this matters far beyond a single consultation — especially with major EU tobacco and nicotine policy decisions looming, including tax reform, the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive, and a likely political showdown in the coming years.

At stake is a basic democratic question: do consumer voices still count in EU policymaking — or can they be dismissed as “fake” when they become inconvenient?

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on all your favourite audio platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer.

In this episode of Vaping Unplugged, Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, sits down with Barnaby Page from E-Cig Intelligence — a former reporter who now provides deep analysis on global harm reduction and nicotine policy.

Together, they unpack the findings of the fourth edition of E-Cig Intelligence’s ongoing survey of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), revealing how lawmakers across the EU perceive vaping, safer nicotine alternatives, and future regulation.

They also take a closer look at COP11 — what happened behind the scenes, what it means for consumers, and how global conversations are shaping the European policy landscape. From shifting political attitudes to international debates, this episode offers a clear and honest look at where nicotine policy is heading next.

🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on all your favourite platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer.

📲 Stay connected with the World Vapers’ Alliance:

Twitter: x.com/vapers_alliance

Instagram: instagram.com/vapers_alliance

TikTok: tiktok.com/vapers_alliance

Facebook: fb.com/wvalliance

In this episode of Vaping Unplugged, our host Liza Katsiashvili, Director of Operations at the WVA, sits down with Timothy Andrews, Director of Consumer Issues at the Tholos Foundation and a leading partner of the initiative Prohibition Does Not Work.

Together, they dive into the global trend of prohibition on safer nicotine products and unpack why these bans fail to reduce smoking rates. Instead, prohibition fuels illicit markets, undermines public health, and leaves consumers with fewer — and more dangerous — options.

From country case studies to the bigger picture for harm reduction, Timothy and Liza explore how smarter, consumer-driven policies can save lives.

📲 Stay connected with the World Vapers’ Alliance:

Twitter: x.com/vapers_alliance

Instagram: instagram.com/vapers_alliance

TikTok: tiktok.com/vapers_alliance

Facebook: fb.com/wvalliance

In this episode of Vaping Unplugged, our host and Director Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance, sits down with Frederik Roeder, Managing Director of the Consumer Choice Center, to discuss the grim reality of vaping in Turkmenistan.

Vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes, is banned in Turkmenistan due to a comprehensive anti-tobacco law that prohibits their sale, import, distribution, and use. While not officially published, this informal ban led to the disappearance of vape products from shelves in 2023, and attempting to bring them into the country can result in confiscation and potential fines or jail time.

While smokers in the country face limited options and vapers face outright hostility, the World Health Organization only adds fuel to the fire by pushing prohibitionist narratives instead of supporting harm reduction.

Michael and Fred unpack what this means for consumers, why the WHO continues to block life-saving alternatives, and what can be done to challenge this global double standard.

📢 Share your thoughts in the comments and join the fight for smarter regulation.

📲 Stay connected with the World Vapers’ Alliance in social media:

Twitter: x.com/vapers_alliance

Instagram: instagram.com/vapers_alliance

TikTok: tiktok.com/vapers_alliance

Facebook: fb.com/wvalliance

In this episode of Vaping Unplugged, our host, Liza Katsiashvili, Director of Operations at the World Vapers’ Alliance, chats with Petr Horáček about the state of vaping in Czechia. The country has made real progress in embracing harm reduction, once seen as a frontrunner, but big challenges remain.

They talk about the victories Czechia has already achieved, the policies that made it a leader in the past, and the roadblocks still standing in the way of better regulation.

From lessons learned to what needs to change, this is a candid look at vaping in the heart of Europe.

📲 Stay connected with the World Vapers’ Alliance and join the fight for smarter regulation:

Twitter: x.com/vapers_alliance

Instagram: instagram.com/vapers_alliance

TikTok: tiktok.com/vapers_alliance

Facebook: fb.com/wvalliance

In this episode of Vaping Unplugged, our host Liza Katsiashvili, Director of Operations at the World Vapers' Alliance, sits down with Peter Beckett from Clearing the Air to break down the latest tax hikes on vaping and other nicotine alternatives across the European Union.

What’s behind the EU’s push for higher taxes? How will it impact adult consumers, public health, and the broader harm reduction movement? Is there still time to shift the conversation?

From policy deep-dives to real-world consequences, this episode brings you the facts — unplugged and unfiltered.

👉 Learn more about Peter’s work and stay informed by visiting: https://clearingtheair.eu/en/

📲 Stay connected with the World Vapers’ Alliance and join the fight for smarter regulation:

Twitter: x.com/vapers_alliance

Instagram: instagram.com/vapers_alliance

TikTok: tiktok.com/vapers_alliance

Facebook: fb.com/wvalliance

Germany has been at the heart of Europe’s harm reduction debate, but rising taxes and looming flavour bans are threatening its progress. In this episode, host Michael Landl speaks with Christian Tänzer, a vape shop owner from Cologne and a frontline witness to how these policies impact real people.

The conversation dives into the consequences of Germany’s regulatory direction, the pressure on small businesses, and how these changes undermine efforts to help smokers quit.

They also explore the broader implications for harm reduction across Europe, the role of consumer advocacy, and why Germany's choices matter beyond its borders.

🎧 If you care about evidence-based public health and the right to safer alternatives, this is an episode you can’t miss.

For more updates and content, follow the World Vapers’ Alliance on all platforms:

Twitter: x.com/vapers_alliance

Instagram: instagram.com/vapers_alliance

TikTok: tiktok.com/vapers_alliance

Facebook: fb.com/wvalliance

The United Kingdom has long been considered a global benchmark for progressive harm reduction policies. But today, that reputation is under threat.

In this episode, host Liza Katsiashvili speaks with Mark Oates, Director of WeVape UK, founder of the Snus Association, and one of the most vocal advocates for safer nicotine alternatives.

The conversation dives into the UK’s changing approach to vaping, including the proposal of a nationwide flavour ban, its political motivations, and the real consequences it may bring for public health.

They also explore broader regulatory trends, the role of consumer advocacy, and what this shift means not only for British vapers but for global harm reduction efforts as a whole.

🎧 If you care about evidence-based policy and the future of safer alternatives to smoking, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

For more updates and content, follow the World Vapers’ Alliance on all platforms:

Twitter: x.com/vapers_alliance

Instagram: instagram.com/vapers_alliance

TikTok: tiktok.com/vapers_alliance

Facebook: fb.com/wvalliance