The Netherlands Leads EU Call for Stricter Regulation of Vapes and Nicotine Products
The Netherlands, backed by 11 other EU nations, is calling on the European Commission to tighten regulations on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Ministers argue that current tobacco laws are outdated and fail to address the rise of new nicotine products, which are increasingly popular among young consumers.
In their letter to Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, the ministers emphasize the urgent need for an updated Tobacco Products Directive, which has remained unchanged since 2014. They urge the EU to implement stronger restrictions on vapes, including limits on nicotine content, flavor bans, and standardized packaging.
The signatories also highlight the challenge of cross-border sales, which undermine national restrictions, and demand that social media platforms take responsibility for controlling vape marketing.
Vincent Karremans, the Dutch Minister for Youth, Prevention, and Sport, warned: “Vaping can lead to serious addiction and even pulmonary hemorrhages. Despite the risks, 1 in 7 young people aged 12 to 16 vapes monthly. This is a major public health issue.“
Alongside the Netherlands, Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovenia, and Spain have signed the appeal.
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