Read articles from Europe

November 24, 2025 by talkingretail.com

A UK survey revealed over 44% support regulating, not banning, nicotine pouches. 30% suggest stop-smoking services recommend pouches alongside vapes. Majority back limits on pouch strength, similar to vape regulations. Poll showed dissatisfaction with government regulation efforts. Recent Irish restrictions contrast UK sentiment, worrying about impacts on smokers' cessation. Advocates favor harm reduction over bans, citing successful models in Sweden and UAE. They criticize Ireland's approach as potentially pushing smokers back to cigarettes. Prohibition in Ireland contrasts looser rules in Northern Ireland. We Vape founder warns of consequences from restrictive policies.

November 24, 2025 by pouchpatrol.com

Secret negotiations in Geneva under the WHO's FCTC on nicotine pouches involve Denmark and Brazil pushing for a global ban, despite the EU allowing them. The closed-door talks lack transparency, potentially leading to undemocratic laws. Sweden's delegation, split on the ban, faces pressure to align with Parliament's stance. Pouch Patrol urges Sweden to defend nicotine pouches, citing their life-saving benefits. Denmark's attempt to reintroduce a ban through the EU is contentious. The EU mandate does not mention a ban, but Denmark seeks to impose restrictions. Controversy surrounds Brazil and Denmark's proposals.

November 24, 2025 by thesun.co.uk

Annual tobacco tax hikes are set to continue, potentially raising the price of a 20-pack of cigarettes to £17.66. The government aims to discourage smoking through these increases. The cost of rolling tobacco is also expected to rise significantly. Despite price hikes over the years, smoking rates in the UK have declined due to increased awareness of health risks, with a target to become "smoke free" by 2030. Concerns exist over these tax hikes disproportionately affecting low-income smokers and potentially fueling illicit trade. Additionally, new taxes on vaping products may hinder smoking cessation efforts. The Budget may also include tax increases for bookies and the elimination of a fuel duty cut.

November 20, 2025 by bbc.com

The Irish government approved banning disposable vapes and imposing restrictions on nicotine products to protect children. The move follows Northern Ireland's ban on single-use vapes. Retailers face fines and jail time for selling single-use e-cigarettes. Legislation will also regulate the sale of other nicotine products and restrict advertising, with new laws under consideration. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill supports the measures to safeguard youth from nicotine harm.

November 19, 2025 by belganewsagency.eu

Belgian Health minister Vandenbroucke aims to ban flavored vapes, except tobacco, to curb youth nicotine addiction. The move follows advice from the Superior Health Council and aims to reduce the appeal of vaping to children. The Netherlands already allows only tobacco flavor, resulting in decreased vaping and smoking rates. While some argue for certain flavors to help smokers quit, prioritizing youth protection is key. Vaping among students has surged, prompting the need for stricter enforcement. Despite opposition from industry groups, Vandenbroucke pushes for the ban's prompt implementation, building on previous measures to reduce youth smoking and vaping.

November 19, 2025 by news.az

Belgium plans to ban all vape flavors, except tobacco, to safeguard youth from nicotine addiction. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke disclosed the decision following recommendations from the Superior Health Council to counter the rising trend of youth vaping. The ban aims to prevent children from being lured into vaping due to flavored e-cigarettes concealing its dangers. Surveys show an increase in youth vaping in Belgium, prompting stricter regulations. The government, yet to set an implementation date, targets to enforce the ban promptly. This action supplements existing anti-smoking measures to protect youth, such as prohibiting disposable vapes and smoking in areas frequented by young people.

November 19, 2025 by aa.com.tr

Belgium plans to ban all vape flavors except tobacco to prevent youth nicotine addiction, Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced after new advice from the Superior Health Council. The minister argues that flavored e-cigarettes are designed to attract children and hide vaping’s risks. The Council, which previously hesitated about a full ban, now supports stricter limits, prioritizing youth protection over potential benefits for smokers trying to quit. Surveys show a significant rise in vaping among Belgian students, with nearly one-third having tried e-cigarettes and weekly use now four times higher than five years ago. The government has not yet set a date for the ban, but Vandenbroucke wants it implemented as soon as possible.

November 19, 2025 by aa.com.tr

Belgium plans to ban all vape flavors except tobacco to prevent youth nicotine addiction, Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced after new advice from the Superior Health Council. The minister argues that flavored e-cigarettes are designed to attract children and hide vaping’s risks. The Council, which previously hesitated about a full ban, now supports stricter limits, prioritizing youth protection over potential benefits for smokers trying to quit. Surveys show a significant rise in vaping among Belgian students, with nearly one-third having tried e-cigarettes and weekly use now four times higher than five years ago. The government has not yet set a date for the ban, but Vandenbroucke wants it implemented as soon as possible.

November 18, 2025 by talkingretail.com

The UK experiences a decline in smoking, particularly in combustible products like cigarettes and rolling tobacco, with sales down 36%. Vape liquids are seeing growth, but value sales in convenience stores have decreased by 25%. Nicotine pouches are gaining popularity as smokers switch to alternatives, with convenience stores leading sales. Sales of disposable vapes have been banned, leading to an increase in reusable vapes causing disposal issues. Cigars and cigarillos are growing, with cigarillos dominating the market. The proposed generational ban on tobacco sales is predicted to increase illicit trade. Retailers are advised to diversify product offerings to meet consumer preferences.

November 17, 2025 by bbc.com

The ban on disposable vapes aims to reduce environmental damage and curb nicotine addiction. Despite the ban, young people in Hull have not significantly changed their vaping habits. The Office for National Statistics revealed a slight decrease in daily or occasional e-cigarette use among 16-24 year olds. The ban, part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, intends to discourage youth vaping. While there are concerns about the attractiveness of vape flavors and packaging to young people, enforcement against illicit vapes is being strengthened. However, some worry that reusable vapes may still appeal to youths. Overall, the ban is seen as a success in reducing environmental impact, though its full impact on youth vaping remains to be seen.