Read articles from Belgium

May 06, 2025 by brusselstimes.com

Belgium's Foundation Against Cancer launches the 'Buddy Deal' campaign for the fourth year, promoting quitting smoking with a friend following concerns about e-cigarette addiction. The initiative led by actor Mathias Vergels aims to combat anxiety and depression caused by smoking. The campaign encourages participants to join online for support, offering distractions and events. E-cigarettes are also targeted, as bans on disposable vapes and displays are implemented. The initiative emphasizes the importance of health-conscious quitting and mental well-being.

April 02, 2025 by euronews.com

Belgium has implemented a law banning the display and sale of cigarettes in shops over 400 square meters to reduce visibility and curb impulse purchases. The move is part of a plan to eliminate tobacco use by 2040 under Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke's supervision. Despite not providing guidance, shops are adapting to the display ban. Some, like student Malak Chatouany, doubt its impact on addiction, while others, like smoker Emilie Fayt, support it to prevent youth smoking. A potential next step includes banning smoking in public terraces, pending legislative approval.

March 03, 2025 by gfn.tv

Belgium has become the first country in Europe to ban disposable vapes, but will this actually have an impact on youth vaping rates, or will it just reduce access to safer nicotine products for millions of adults who smoke in Belgium? Joining us today is Alberto Gómez Hernández, Policy Manager at the World Vapers' Alliance, to dissect Belgium's vaping crackdown and the impact this could have on adult vapers.

January 30, 2025 by brusselstimes.com

Over 12,000 illegal e-cigarettes, including banned disposable vapes, were discovered at the Agora Gallery in Brussels by Public Health Ministry inspection services and police. These findings were made during three recent checks under new Tobacco Plan regulations. Products with excessive nicotine levels and smart vapes were seized, with fines up to €8,000 for traffickers. These dangerous products, hidden professionally, pose health risks, especially to minors. Despite prior seizures, illegal items persist, prompting planned future actions for public health protection, according to Public Health Ministry statements.

January 28, 2025 by filtermag.org

Belgium banned disposable vapes, citing health concerns and combating tobacco lobby influence. Despite success in decreasing smoking rates, regulations aim to curb potential addiction in youth. The country's stricter vaping laws follow a trend in the EU, with others planning similar measures. Meanwhile, concerns persist about unintended consequences and impact on disadvantaged groups. The EU's Batteries Regulation could further restrict disposable vapes due to their non-compliance. Debate continues on balancing public health goals with harm reduction strategies for smokers transitioning to safer nicotine products.

January 07, 2025 by brusselstimes.com

Half of e-cigarette vendors are not complying with strict regulations introduced by Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke in 2023 to restrict flashy designs and slogans. Violations, especially in Brussels, were found in 80% of cases, with two-thirds related to vape composition. MP Els Van Hoof is pushing for legislation to ban flavors that mask health hazards. Harsher penalties are being considered, including closing non-compliant businesses if violations persist.

January 03, 2025 by theguardian.com

Belgium has become the first EU country to ban the sale of disposable vapes, citing health and environmental concerns. The ban, effective from 1 January 2025, aims to curb nicotine addiction, particularly among young people. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke criticized disposable vapes as harmful products designed to attract new consumers, emphasizing the addictive and damaging nature of nicotine. On the same day, Milan implemented a ban on outdoor smoking, reflecting broader EU discussions on stricter tobacco controls.

January 02, 2025 by ft.com

Belgium on Wednesday became the first EU country to ban sales of disposable vapes, as governments across the continent try to reverse growing e-cigarette use among younger people. England, France and Germany are planning tighter regulations, but experts warn such moves are likely to have only limited impact on the rapidly growing industry.

January 02, 2025 by theguardian.com

Belgium banned disposable vape sales to curb nicotine addiction and protect the environment. Health Minister Vandenbroucke emphasized the harmful effects of e-cigarettes, leading the country in European efforts against smoking. In Milan, outdoor smoking bans aim to enhance air quality and health, with fines up to €240. Italy's smoking rate remains at 24%, causing 93,000 annual deaths. Anti-smoking measures date back to 1975 and continue, with the Po Valley facing severe air pollution. Nations like Australia and England are also implementing strict measures against smoking, aiming to reduce tobacco use and environmental harm by targeting disposable vapes and smoking in public areas.

December 30, 2024 by euronews.com

Belgium will ban the sale of disposable vapes as of Jan. 1 on health and environmental grounds in a ground-breaking move for the EU. Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke raised concerns over the health and environmental risks posed by disposable e-cigarettes. He emphasized that these inexpensive products are designed to attract new consumers, particularly teenagers, who may become addicted to nicotine—a substance harmful to health. Additionally, the disposable nature of these e-cigarettes contributes to environmental pollution through plastic waste, batteries, and hazardous chemicals, further exacerbating their negative impact.