Belgium Calls for EU-Wide Ban on Flavored E-Cigarettes

Belgium tobacco sale regulations April 2025

Belgium is urging European Union member states to support a ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes across the entire EU. Speaking at a Health Council meeting in Luxembourg, Belgian Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Frank Vandenbroucke declared his government’s intent to combat the appeal of these products, particularly to young people.

Vandenbroucke criticized the vaping industry, stating, “A vape industry is making a new generation of young people dependent on nicotine through the sale of e-cigarettes with all sorts of flavors. Apple, raspberry… they all seem like healthy things when instead they are dangerous and make people dependent.” He asserted that this is the industry’s objective and therefore, “this is the EU’s battle,” necessitating an EU-level ban on flavored e-cigarettes.

He emphasized that while the European Commission has an ambitious agenda in the fight against cancer, it’s important to include e-cigarettes and vapes in this campaign. Belgium’s proposal aligns with broader EU considerations, as Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra recently announced intentions to increase taxes on new tobacco products, including alternatives like vapes, to discourage their consumption due to long-term health risks.

Matthew Ma
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