European states address passive smoking; Belgium bans single-use vapes, while Romania restricts sales to minors.
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European states are implementing measures to reduce passive smoking exposure and discourage young people from using tobacco, as part of an EU plan. Belgium has taken a radical step by completely banning the sale of single-use vapes, with violations subject to a €100,000 fine. In contrast, Romania is in an early stage, having only banned sales to minors. The EU’s anti-cancer plan, adopted on December 3, 2024, aims to reduce passive smoking and discourage youth tobacco use by 2040. Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke stated that single-use e-cigarettes are a health threat because they easily attract young people, noting that nicotine causes dependence. Belgium has already banned smoking in public areas like playgrounds and sports fields, and from April 1st, tobacco products cannot be sold or displayed in supermarkets larger than 400 square meters. In Romania, a March 2024 law prohibits the sale of all tobacco products to minors, including e-cigarettes and vape liquids, requiring sellers to check identification. Online retailers are also restricted from delivering tobacco products to lockers or drop-off points, and packages must carry a warning label if delivered by courier. Furthermore, smoking, vaping, and heated tobacco products have been banned in all educational institutions in Romania since last spring, although there is no legislation preventing their sale near schools. Despite the ban on minors purchasing tobacco, these products remain widely available across Romanian markets.
