Moldova is imposing strict restrictions on smoking
Moldova is preparing to implement new anti-smoking legislation that significantly expands smoking bans in public places. This applies not only to conventional cigarettes but also to electronic devices and vapes, which are now also subject to strict restrictions. This was reported by Radio Moldova.
Moldova is effectively expanding the list of places where smoking is completely banned and making the rules more specific and strict. The ban now covers not only indoor areas but also many outdoor areas where people typically gather or spend time in large numbers.
Smoking will be prohibited at sports facilities, zoos, water parks, near swimming pools, on beaches, in underground walkways, at public transportation stops, and in passenger boarding and alighting areas. The ban also applies to stairwells in residential buildings, hallways, elevators, common areas, and even balconies of apartments and dormitories.
A separate rule regarding minimum distance has been introduced: smoking and the use of electronic devices are prohibited within 10 meters of entrances to public buildings, as well as near open windows and ventilation systems.
E-cigarettes are also regulated
One of the key changes is the treatment of e-cigarettes and tobacco heating devices as equivalent to traditional smoking in terms of restrictions. The law explicitly covers vaping, which previously often fell outside clear regulations.
Authorities are tightening requirements for safety, labeling, and sales controls for such devices, and are introducing stricter advertising rules, particularly in media targeting young people. The sale of nicotine pouches, including those containing synthetic nicotine, is also prohibited.
Penalties are becoming stricter
The new rules also provide for increased fines and penalties for smoking in prohibited areas and the sale of tobacco products to minors. Separate obligations are specified for owners and managers of public spaces.
They are now directly responsible for ensuring that smoke-free regulations are followed in their establishments and spaces. In effect, this marks a shift to a system where enforcement of the rules rests not only with the government but also with businesses.
Why the change?
According to medical experts, Moldova is steadily moving toward European standards for tobacco control, which call for maximum restrictions on smoking in public places.
The main focus is on protecting children and young people, as this group is most often exposed to advertising and new tobacco products, including vapes. The new rules are intended to gradually change societal habits and reduce the number of places where people are exposed to secondhand smoke.
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The European Union has moved to the practical stage of preparing Montenegro’s accession treaty. The country continues on its path toward EU integration and has declared its intention to become a member by 2028.
Ukraine hopes that the European Union will open all six negotiation chapters on the country’s accession this year and anticipates the possibility of closing at least one of them by the end of the year.
Ukraine may temporarily forgo some of the benefits of EU membership to accelerate the accession process. Taras Kachka noted that such a step would help the country integrate into the EU more quickly.
