Romania remains at the midpoint of Europe’s lifestyle regulation spectrum, according to the newly released Nanny State Index 2025. While the country enforces some of the strictest anti-smoking laws on the continent—ranking fifth in tobacco regulation—it is simultaneously the most liberal nation when it comes to food and sugary drink policies.
Romania has maintained a tough stance on smoking since 2016, when a nationwide ban was imposed on smoking in all bars and restaurants, with prisons being the sole exception. In 2024, the country extended these restrictions to vaping, prohibiting the use of e-cigarettes in any location where smoking is already banned.
The government has also strengthened the advertising restrictions. As of July 2024, Romania reinforced EU rules banning the advertisement of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, particularly within 200 meters of educational and healthcare institutions.
Taxes on vaping products have steadily increased since their introduction in 2016. Initially set at €0.10 per milliliter of liquid, the tax rose to 0.81 lei (€0.16) per milliliter in recent years and is scheduled to reach 1.03 lei (€0.21) in 2026—placing Romania among the highest in Europe when adjusted for affordability.
In August 2022, the Romanian government, aiming to boost state revenue, implemented its first tax hikes on tobacco and alcohol since 2015. The VAT on sugary drinks also rose from 9% to 19%.
Europe’s Regulatory Landscape: A Mixed Picture
Germany retains its position as the most liberal country in Europe concerning lifestyle regulation, followed by Luxembourg, Italy, Czechia, and Spain. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Turkey remains the most restrictive, trailed by Lithuania, Finland, Hungary, and Ireland.
Hungary enforces the harshest rules on food and soft drinks, maintaining high taxes on products deemed unhealthy. Poland has banned the sale of energy drinks to minors under 18, while France has expanded its sugar tax on beverages.
When it comes to alcohol consumption, Lithuania, Ireland, and Turkey enforce the strictest regulations. In contrast, Belgium and Denmark have some of the most permissive alcohol laws in the EU. The UK, Hungary, and Ireland are among the strictest when it comes to tobacco control.
Growing Crackdown on Nicotine Alternatives
Several countries are also tightening regulations on nicotine alternatives such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, and snus. Turkey, Lithuania, and Hungary enforce stricter rules on these products than on traditional cigarettes.
In a groundbreaking move, Belgium became the first EU country to ban disposable vaping devices entirely, with the law coming into effect in January 2025.
