Bulgarian Vapers Rally Against National Ban with Petition

A growing coalition of vaping advocates has launched a formal petition to the European Parliament opposing Bulgaria’s sweeping prohibition on e-cigarettes. The group, operating under the Discord Vape banner, argues the ban unlawfully restricts adult access to harm-reduction tools while failing to address youth access issues effectively. With 8,000 members linked to Discord’s global 150-million-user platform, the coalition has already gathered 300 signatures within 24 hours of launching its campaign.

“This legislation prioritizes prohibition over pragmatism,” the petition states. “By eliminating regulated vaping markets, Bulgaria risks pushing users toward unregulated products or back to combustible cigarettes.”

The petition emphasizes peer-reviewed research to counter claims that vaping equals smoking risks. It cites a landmark 2015 Public Health England report concluding e-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than traditional tobacco. Further validation comes from a 2019 New England Journal of Medicine study showing vaping doubles smoking cessation success rates compared to nicotine patches or gum.

Imperial College London’s 2020 findings on reduced secondhand exposure also feature prominently. “Vape aerosol lacks the 7,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke,” the document notes, “making it safer for both users and bystanders in public spaces.”

Beyond health arguments, petitioners highlight the ban’s potential to devastate Bulgaria’s vaping industry. Data from the Independent European Vape Alliance (IEVA) reveals over 500 local businesses—manufacturers, importers, and retailers—face closure. Nationwide losses could reach millions annually in tax revenue and employment.

Mario Stoev, a Sofia-based vape shop owner, explains: “We support strict age checks and product standards. But a total ban? It’s like banning cars because teenagers sometimes drive illegally.”

Regulatory Contrasts: EU Nations Take Divergent Paths

The appeal contrasts Bulgaria’s approach with policies in other EU states:

Belgium & France banned disposable vapes but permit regulated refillable devices
Czech Republic debates flavor restrictions rather than full prohibition
UK NHS actively promotes vaping as smoking cessation aid

These examples, petitioners argue, demonstrate balanced strategies that reduce youth uptake without denying adults safer alternatives.

Calls for Nuanced Policy Over Blanket Bans

Rather than prohibition, the coalition urges Bulgarian and EU lawmakers to:

Strengthen age verification systems at retail and online points of sale
Mandate ISO-standard product testing for all vaping devices and liquids
Launch public education campaigns explaining vaping’s relative risks
Impose severe penalties on retailers selling to minors

“Regulation works when enforced properly,” says Discord Vape spokesperson Elena Petrova. “The Netherlands saw youth vaping drop 35% after implementing strict ID checks and advertising bans—without eliminating adult access.”

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.