Brussels is funding the voices that tell it what it wants to hear
October 13, 2026 by brusselstimes.com
Brussels is funding the voices that tell it what it wants to hear
Brussels’ nicotine debate has a transparency problem when public money funds organisations that then echo the Commission’s preferred line. The article points to a “market freeze” backed by several health ministers that would restrict future nicotine products while cigarettes remain available. That should concern anyone interested in evidence-based regulation. Public health policy needs independent scrutiny, consumer voices and open funding trails — especially when decisions could limit lower-risk alternatives for millions of adults who smoke.
21.70% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.1 million current smokers in Belgium 24.70% of men are current smokers but only 18.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
