Key Takeaways
- Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke called for stronger EU action on vaping.
- He wants a bloc-wide ban on disposable e-cigarettes.
- He also called for tighter EU-wide rules on substances allowed in vape products.
- Belgium is pushing for flavour restrictions similar to the Netherlands, where only tobacco flavour is allowed.
- The European Commission is expected to propose updated market surveillance rules later this year.
2Firsts, March 26, 2026
According to Belga News Agency, Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has urged the European Union to take stronger action on vaping and warned of growing health risks.
The Belgian health minister said vaping is becoming an “epidemic”
Frank Vandenbroucke made the call during a visit by EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath to Sciensano in Brussels.
He said vaping is becoming an “epidemic” and accused the industry of targeting young people. He also warned that e-cigarettes contain thousands of ingredients, as well as metals and new chemical compounds created when heated, which may pose health risks.
Belgium wants EU-wide ingredient limits and a ban on disposable e-cigarettes
Frank Vandenbroucke called for stricter EU-wide rules on what substances are allowed in vape products and for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes across the European Union.
The original report said such a ban is already in place in Belgium. He also wants limits on flavours, similar to the Netherlands, where only tobacco flavour is permitted.
The EU commissioner said the scale of the issue is significant and new rules are expected later this year
Michael McGrath said the scale of the problem is significant and called for better cooperation across Europe.
After viewing laboratory tests at Sciensano, he said the EU should make better use of existing research and improve coordination between national authorities.
The report also said the European Commission is expected to propose updated market surveillance rules later this year.
Image source: Belga News Agency
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