The rise of electronic cigarettes and vaping products has led to a new public health challenge in Europe. While vaping rates are relatively low overall, they are significantly higher among young people, with Luxembourg, Estonia, and Czechia reporting the highest rates. In 2022, the average vaping rate for individuals aged 15 to 24 was 6.5%, with Estonia reporting the highest rates at 30%, followed by the Czech Republic at 25%, and Luxembourg at 20%. The increase in vaping rates among young people in these countries has coincided with a notable decline in tobacco smoking, as many see vaping as a healthier alternative. Josef Hamoud from the University Medical Center Göttingen highlights the widespread popularity of vaping as a means to quit smoking, fueled by extensive marketing efforts promoting it as a safer option.
Several EU countries have taken regulatory steps in response to the growing use of e-cigarettes. Belgium recently became the first country in the EU to ban the sale of disposable vapes starting in January 2025, citing concerns about their appeal to youth and the environmental impact of disposable products. Ireland has also announced plans to ban disposable e-cigarettes and restrict vape flavors to tobacco only. Dr. Filippos Filippidis, chair of the European Respiratory Society Tobacco Control Committee, emphasizes the need to discourage non-smokers from starting to vape due to the addictive nature of nicotine. While e-cigarettes may assist some individuals in smoking cessation, there is a need for adequate support systems to ensure that individuals do not become dual users, which can hinder cessation efforts.
In June, 12 EU countries urged the EU Commission to move forward with previously delayed smoking reforms, which could potentially involve banning flavored vapes and limiting nicotine content. The delay in these measures, now postponed to 2025, has raised concerns about the EU’s commitment to anti-tobacco initiatives. Some have questioned whether the tobacco industry’s influence played a role in the delay. The regulatory landscape surrounding e-cigarettes and vaping products is evolving as countries seek to address the rising rates of usage, particularly among young people. By implementing restrictions on certain products and flavors, policymakers aim to strike a balance between supporting smoking cessation efforts while minimizing harm from unregulated vaping.
The public health implications of the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes and vaping products are significant, particularly among young people. While overall vaping rates in Europe remain relatively low, the prevalence among youth in countries like Luxembourg, Estonia, and Czechia is a cause for concern. The sharp rise in vaping rates in these countries has coincided with a decline in tobacco smoking, as vaping is often marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. Addressing the appeal of e-cigarettes among youth, as well as their potential addictive nature, is a key focus for policymakers and public health experts.
The ban on the sale of disposable vapes in Belgium reflects a growing trend among EU countries to implement regulatory measures aimed at curbing the use of e-cigarettes. Concerns about the appeal of vaping to young people and the environmental impact of disposable products have prompted countries like Belgium and Ireland to take action. Additionally, calls for stricter regulations on vaping products, including bans on flavored vapes and limitations on nicotine content, highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges posed by e-cigarettes. The influence of the tobacco industry on regulatory decisions and the delayed implementation of anti-tobacco measures underscore the complexities of navigating public health policies related to vaping and smoking cessation efforts.
