Read articles from Europe

April 16, 2025 by sky.com

A study by UCL suggests vaping rates are stable despite a shift from disposable to reusable vapes before the UK's ban. Researchers found that vaping rates increased among adults and young adults, then remained stable post-ban announcement. Disposable vape use decreased, especially among 16 to 24-year-olds. Experts recommend caution in implementing stricter policies to avoid discouraging smokers from using vapes to quit. Public health advocates see potential in planned regulations to address youth vaping while supporting smoking cessation in adults. The upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to regulate e-cigarette packaging, marketing, and flavors to prevent targeting children.

April 14, 2025 by dailymail.co.uk

MPs and campaigners warned that the lack of new recruits enforcing the disposable vapes ban could fuel criminal activity. Only 80 Trading Standards officers were hired with inadequate funding, risking a rise in the illicit market. Amid concerns, the government faces challenges enforcing the ban on disposable vapes, with insufficient resources allocated. Critics fear the UK could see crime levels similar to Australia due to limited enforcement. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to restrict vaping, increase taxes, and ban advertising, with enforcement delegated across multiple government departments. Concerns persist over the proliferation of illicit vaping products and tobacco, raising worries about organized crime involvement.

April 10, 2025 by rollcall.com

In Sweden, efforts to become "smoke-free" by 2025 have led to a decline in smoking through the promotion of alternative tobacco products. The country's unique regulation of snus and nicotine pouches could serve as a model for the U.S. In both countries, there are debates on how to regulate these products, influence of political parties, and taxation strategies. Sweden has implemented tax changes to discourage smoking, while the U.S. faces complex federal, state, and local tax systems. Discussions also focus on capping nicotine levels in products. Regulation and marketing of nicotine pouches vary within the EU, impacting Sweden's membership.

April 10, 2025 by filtermag.org

A report commissioned by the UK government highlights that drug-related law enforcement often increases violence rather than reducing it, contradicting current policies. The findings emphasize the need for a shift in drug enforcement strategies to consider the risk of exacerbating violence, especially linked to disrupting trafficking groups. Despite previous warnings from experts and former law enforcement officials, the report urges policymakers to take immediate action. Examples from a recent think tank report illustrate how enforcement actions can worsen violence and societal disruption dynamics without impacting drug markets in the long term, implying a need for a reevaluation of drug policy approaches.

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.