Read articles from Europe

March 18, 2026 by worldvapersalliance.com

Belgium has banned disposable vapes and considers further restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes. However, a study reveals that such bans can fuel the black market and increase youth access to unregulated products. The Netherlands' flavor ban led to a rise in adolescent vaping and youth smoking. Adults rely on non-tobacco flavors to quit smoking, with a 230% higher success rate. Restricting legal access doesn't deter use but shifts it. Belgium can either learn from past mistakes or repeat them concerning e-cigarette regulations and their impact on public health.

March 18, 2026 by euractiv.com

Poland’s decision to tighten its tobacco control laws, banning disposable e-cigarettes and restricting nicotine pouches, has been strongly backed by leading medical societies, which warn that the products pose risks to public health. Producers affected by the new rules claim the measures are disproportionate and market-destroying.

March 17, 2026 by worldvapersalliance.com

A study by Fraunhofer Institute and MRU GmbH reveals the booming illegal vape market in Europe, valued at €6.6 billion and projected to hit €11 billion by 2030. Despite warnings, policies are failing to address the issue, resulting in unregulated products circulating without safety checks or oversight. Stricter regulations and bans are driving consumers to the black market, exacerbating the problem and benefiting criminal operations. Countries like Sweden, the UK, and New Zealand show that clear regulation and accessible products deter illegal markets. Policymakers must prioritize creating a legal market to combat the growing issue and avoid the negative consequences on public health and finances.

March 16, 2026 by brusselssignal.eu

Almost half of Europe's e-cigarette market is supplied by China through irregular sources. The illicit market is projected to reach €10.8 billion by 2030, highlighting gaps in EU customs and consumer protection. A study finds China's strong control over products domestically contrasts with lack of control on exports to Europe. Legal shipments from China overwhelm customs, enabling untaxed and unregulated products. The shadow market poses health risks and tax evasion, with €119 million evaded in Germany alone. The study calls for uniform EU product definitions, digital traceability, and cooperation with China to stabilize the market, warning against blanket bans. Tightening regulations without addressing supply chain issues may worsen the situation.

March 16, 2026 by theportugalnews.com

The Portuguese government has approved the sale of nicotine pouches, which differ from snus as they do not contain tobacco. Tabaqueira eagerly awaited this decision, as they had requested authorization to market these products. Nicotine pouches, originally from Sweden, are legal in most EU countries. The sale of these pouches will be subject to a special consumption tax. The official launch date in Portugal is not yet announced, but some shops already have them available.

March 16, 2026 by snusforumet.se

Leading European academics and researchers challenge EU Health Commissioner Várhelyi's "misleading" claims on smoke-free nicotine products, fearing it may mislead millions of European smokers. They express concern that his statements equating vaping and tobacco alternatives with cigarettes lack scientific evidence, potentially influencing harmful policies. The experts emphasize the significant difference in risks between smoke-free products and cigarettes, urging evidence-based policymaking. Misinformation on nicotine risks could hinder smokers from adopting safer alternatives. Scientists call for corrective action to prevent damage to public health and trust in the EU, highlighting the importance of differentiating between harmful and safer nicotine consumption.

March 16, 2026 by polskieradio.pl

Proposed legislation in Poland aims to extend the ban on disposable vapes to all adults, restrict nicotine pouch flavors, and intensify market regulation to combat youth usage. Health officials warn that nicotine-free vapes can be as harmful as nicotine-containing ones, with both popular among young adults. The World Health Organization supports restrictions on appealing flavors to prevent youth uptake. The bill would empower authorities to test e-cigarette products independently and require pharmaceutical approval for new nicotine products. The measures intend to address social harm and prevent youth exposure to harmful substances.

March 13, 2026 by vapingpost.com

New research shows the UK’s vape-based quit strategy is helping thousands stop smoking—yet policymakers appear increasingly willing to restrict it.

March 12, 2026 by eureporter.co

Europe's tobacco taxation framework is being reformed for the first time in over a decade, and the stakes are higher than the technical language of excise directives might suggest. Done well, the revision modernises a law that has not kept pace with the market. Done badly, it pushes consumers toward the black market, hollows out legitimate industry and costs member states the revenue they were trying to protect.

March 12, 2026 by filtermag.org

The Irish government has ramped up its hostility towards safer nicotine products by approving new legislation to further tighten restrictions on vapes and nicotine pouches. Though the announcement is confusingly worded, the bill threatens to ban vape flavors.