Belgium's growth to be hit by U.S tariffs, foreign minister says
Belgium has warned that newly announced U.S. import tariffs could weaken its economic growth, even as Washington presses allies to ramp up defence spending.
Belgium will become the first European Union country to ban sales of disposable electronic cigarettes as of Jan. 1 because of concerns about use among children and the environmental damage they can cause.
It is illegal in Belgium to sell vapes to anyone under the age of 18, but government data shows most young smokers start the habit with electronic cigarettes (vapes), rather than regular tobacco cigarettes.
Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said that inexpensive vapes had turned into a health threat since they are an easy way for teenagers to be drawn into smoking and get hooked on nicotine.
“E-cigarettes often contain nicotine. Nicotine makes you addicted to nicotine. Nicotine is bad for your health. These are fact,” Vandenbroucke added.
Because they are disposable, the plastic, battery and circuits are a burden on the environment. On top of that, “they create hazardous waste chemicals still present in what people throw away,” Vandenbroucke said.
The health minister said he also targeted the disposable e-cigarettes because reusable ones could be a tool to help people quit smoking if they cannot find another way.
"We are the first country in Europe to do so," Vandenbroucke said.
He wants tougher tobacco measures in the 27-nation bloc.
"We are really calling on the European Commission to come forward now with new initiatives to update, to modernize, the tobacco legislation," he said.
WHO urges governments to take measures
Early this year World Health Organization (WHO) issued a call to action urging governments to take immediate measures to control e-cigarettes, protect young people and non-smockers.
E-cigarettes are allowed on the open market and aggressively marketed to young people, WHO stated. Thirty-four countries ban the sale of e-cigarettes, 88 countries have no minimum age at which e-cigarettes can be bought and 74 countries have no regulations in place for these harmful products.
“E-cigarettes target children through social media and influencers, with at least 16 000 flavours. Some of these products use cartoon characters and have sleek designs, which appeal to the younger generation. There is an alarming increase in the use of e-cigarettes among children and young people with rates exceeding adult use in many countries,” Dr Ruediger Krech, WHO Director for Health Promotion.
Children 13–15-years old are using e-cigarettes at rates higher than adults in all WHO regions. In Canada, the rates of e-cigarette use among 16–19-year-olds has doubled between 2017–2022, and in England (the United Kingdom) the number of young users has tripled in the past three years.
Studies consistently show that young people that use e-cigarettes are almost three times more likely to use cigarettes later in life.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
On April 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu to discuss the South Caucasus, peace talks with Armenia, and strengthening bilateral cooperation. Aliyev emphasized dismantling the OSCE Minsk Group and securing Azerbaijan’s sovereignty.
Russia and Iran have signaled their commitment to deepen energy cooperation by working on new overland gas corridors, according to a statement from the Russian Cabinet.
Citing sustained cross-border terrorism and a recent deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a decision that marks a significant shift in regional water diplomacy.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is set to be held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, said Rovshan Mirzayev, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Israel warned on Thursday it will unleash an even wider offensive in Gaza unless Hamas frees its remaining hostages, a threat issued as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 55 people across the enclave, according to local medics.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment