Belgium recently made headlines as the first EU country to ban the sale of disposable vapes, citing concerns about their appeal to young people and their environmental impact. Meanwhile, Luxembourg, Estonia, and Czechia have reported the highest vaping rates in Europe, with rates exceeding 10%. The latest OECD report shows that while vaping rates remain relatively low in Europe overall, they are significantly higher among young people, with an average rate of 6.5% for those aged 15 to 24. Estonia in particular has seen a sharp rise in vaping rates, with 30% of young people reporting vaping, while the Czech Republic and Luxembourg follow closely behind.
In response to the growing use of e-cigarettes, several EU countries have implemented regulatory measures. Ireland, for example, has plans to ban disposable e-cigarettes and restrict vape flavours to tobacco only. Dr. Filippos Filippidis, chair of the European Respiratory Society Tobacco Control Committee, emphasizes the highly addictive nature of nicotine in vapes and the importance of discouraging non-smokers from starting to vape. While e-cigarettes may play a role in smoking cessation for some, it is essential to provide adequate support to help people quit smoking successfully, as many end up being dual users, which can hinder cessation efforts.
Despite the push for stricter regulations, concerns have been raised about the EU’s commitment to its anti-tobacco agenda. The delay in implementing smoking reforms, now set for 2025, has sparked speculation about potential influences from the tobacco industry on the issue. Twelve EU countries have called on the EU Commission to move forward with reforms, which could include banning flavoured vapes and limiting nicotine content. This call for action reflects the growing recognition of the need for stronger regulations to address the rise in vaping among young people and the potential impact on public health.
The rise in vaping rates, particularly among young people, has raised concerns about the long-term effects on public health. The extensive marketing of vapes as healthier alternatives to conventional smoking has contributed to their popularity among individuals attempting to quit smoking. However, this trend has also led to a decrease in tobacco smoking in countries like Estonia and the Czech Republic. Josef Hamoud from the University Medical Center Göttingen notes that vaping has become widespread globally, emphasizing the importance of addressing its impact on both adolescents and adults.
The contrasting vaping rates across European countries highlight the need for a coordinated approach to tackle the public health challenge posed by e-cigarettes. In countries like Bulgaria, Austria, and Croatia, where vaping rates are under 1%, there is still a need to monitor and address the use of vaping products, particularly among youth. Effective smoking cessation support, along with regulations to restrict access to e-cigarettes for non-smokers, is essential in curbing the rise in vaping rates and preventing potential long-term health consequences.
As the debate over vaping regulations continues, the focus remains on balancing the potential harm reduction benefits of e-cigarettes with the need to protect public health, especially among young people. The actions taken by countries like Belgium and Ireland to ban or restrict the sale of certain vaping products signal a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures to address the rise in vaping. With the EU Commission being urged to implement smoking reforms and limit the availability of flavoured vapes, the coming years will be crucial in determining the direction of e-cigarette regulations in Europe and their impact on public health outcomes.
