Read articles from Europe

April 08, 2025 by ecigintelligence.com

Poland is considering a ban on disposable vapes, following France and Belgium. The proposed legislation aims to prohibit all single-use vapes, raising concerns about a potential shift in European regulations impacting the vaping industry. The ban is part of Poland's effort to reduce youth access to affordable vaping products. Proponents argue it will protect public health, while critics fear it may lead to tax revenue losses and illegal sales. Similar bans in France and Belgium suggest a growing trend in Europe towards stricter regulations on vaping products. The long-term effects of these bans remain uncertain, with debates ongoing about their efficacy in reducing harm.

April 08, 2025 by ecigintelligence.com

Poland is considering a ban on disposable vapes, following France and Belgium. The proposed legislation aims to prohibit all single-use vapes, raising concerns about a potential shift in European regulations impacting the vaping industry. The ban is part of Poland's effort to reduce youth access to affordable vaping products. Proponents argue it will protect public health, while critics fear it may lead to tax revenue losses and illegal sales. Similar bans in France and Belgium suggest a growing trend in Europe towards stricter regulations on vaping products. The long-term effects of these bans remain uncertain, with debates ongoing about their efficacy in reducing harm.

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.

April 02, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

The UK Parliament has voted 360 to 42 in favor of advancing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to the House of Lords. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) praised the decision, calling it a historic step toward phasing out tobacco sales for future generations. ASH Chief Executive Hazel Cheeseman highlighted that smoking has caused over 8 million deaths in the UK and emphasized that the bill, introduced by a Conservative government and supported by Labour, unites the country in its commitment to ending smoking-related harm.

April 02, 2025 by nltimes.nl

Around 185,000 illegal e-cigarettes and liquids were seized by the NVWA in the Netherlands between January and March. Offenders face fines and the costs of destroying the items. Notably, over 42,000 illegal vapes were discovered in Barendrecht, leading to a nationwide seizure of 66,000 devices in January. The NVWA is cracking down on illegal vaping products since the beginning of the year. Unauthorized flavors are banned to discourage youth smoking. The penalties for offenders can reach 22,500 euros for repeat offenses.

April 01, 2025 by spanishnewstoday.com

Vape prices in Spain increased by €1.50 due to new taxes, aligning them with traditional tobacco products. The taxation includes charges based on nicotine content for e-liquids and nicotine pouches. The vaping tax, part of the Comprehensive Tobacco Prevention Plan, aims to reduce smoking rates. The regulation also prohibits selling e-cigarettes to minors, restricts vaping in specific areas, and enforces labeling requirements. Recent cigarette price hikes are seen as a move to reduce consumption, supported by healthcare professionals. The correlation between higher tobacco prices and decreased use is widely recognized. The Ministry of Health's measures intend to discourage tobacco consumption and protect public health.

April 01, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

The University of Bath's Tobacco Control Research Group studied industry submissions on the 2023/24 Tobacco and Vapes Bill, proposing a ban on tobacco sales to those born after 2009. Industry tactics to resist regulations were revealed, including opposition to the ban for lacking evidence and claims of harm to retailers. Tobacco companies pushed for weaker restrictions and exemptions. Despite claims of change, they continue to resist public health measures. The 2023/4 Bill was dropped, but a more ambitious version was later introduced. Researchers warn of industry pushback against strict policies and emphasize the importance of resisting industry influence to protect public health and future generations.

March 31, 2025 by thelocal.at

A recent report on Austrian teens shows a shift towards healthier choices, with less smoking and alcohol consumption. However, there is an increase in e-cigarette and nicotine pouch use. Mental health issues are prevalent, with one in four teens reporting low well-being. Substance use is linked to psychological stress, social media overuse, and gaming. The survey also revealed an increase in teens avoiding alcohol completely. Conducted on 7,735 ninth and tenth-grade students in Austria, the study is part of a larger European research project.

March 31, 2025 by filtermag.org

Research shows underground markets are growing for nicotine vaping products in the UK and US. The UK previously regulated products for safety, while the US lacks authorization, leading to illicit markets and confusion. The FDA has enforced restrictions, pushing legal retailers to pull unauthorized products. Illicit vendors profit, risking consumer health and accessibility. In the UK, anticipation of bans has already driven sales underground. To combat this, the FDA should approve quality products swiftly. The UK should reconsider bans and focus on legal, quality products to avoid increased smoking rates. Legal availability and consumer-preferred products are crucial for public health and harm reduction.

March 31, 2025 by youtube.com

In this episode of Vaping Unplugged, we're joined by the one and only Ivan Bik – a renowned podcaster and outspoken advocate for harm reduction. Ivan brings his signature energy and insight as we dive into the current state of THR in the Netherlands. What’s happening? How are consumers reacting to flavor restrictions? What does the future look like for harm reduction in the Netherlands?