Several studies have shown that increased alcohol and tobacco contributes to reducing consumption and health risks. But not everyone likes being told what to do.
The 2025 “Ninja Status Index” says Lithuania is the most interventionist country in the EU when it comes to cracking down on unhealthy lifestyles through taxation and bans.
Lithuania regarding the all-out war with alcohol
The Baltic countries are the only EU member states that prohibit the sale of alcohol to people under the age of 20.
The law also strictly regulates time and prohibits sales before 10am or 8pm (3pm on Sundays).
Marketing is influenced by rules restricting alcohol and there is a complete ban on alcohol advertising in all forms, including imported magazines.
Like neighboring Latvia, energy drinks are also restricted, and since 2015 it has banned sales to people under the age of 18.
Smoking is not exempt from strict national regulations either.
In addition to the full restrictions on e-cigarette ads and sponsorship in the media, smoking is prohibited on all balconies and terraces in apartments where at least one resident opposes smoking.
“Neighborhoods of major cities report that few people have been fined,” the report said.
Turkey has banned e-cigarette blankets
Turkey is the country the report calls “all sleazy” state and is the only country that has a complete vaping ban.
“Turkey went to a war between alcohol and nicotine,” the report said.
“While e-cigarettes, snus and heated tobacco products are completely prohibited, the form of snuffs (“enfiye”) is legal and nicotine pouches are not expressly prohibited. ”
“Cigarettes must be sold in plain packaging, cigarettes cannot be displayed in stores, and cigarette vending machines are prohibited,” the report explained.
Tough-on-Tobacco Britain is getting ready for the Junk Food Crusade
The UK, the seventh in the entire table, has the toughest stance on cigarettes, with a tax of 411 euros per kilogram.
The UK had already banned cigarette vending machines in 2011, but less than two years later, the UK would ban everyone born after 2009 from purchasing cigarettes. Lithuania has the highest score among the EU countries.
Additionally, in October 2025, a ban on “unhealthy” food advertising will be enacted on television anytime before 9pm and on the internet.
Hungary slams heavy taxes on unhealthy groceries
However, when it comes to unhealthy foods and drinks, Hungary is the top of the list as the most restrictive country, with the second for smoking prevention measures and the third for measures to block the use of so-called safe nicotine.
Following the introduction of the public health product tax, also known as the “chip tax,” in 2011, there is now the most extensive taxation on food and soft drinks, targeting products such as cooked pasta, sweets, sweet drinks, salty snacks and seasonings, above 27% of the standard VAT rate.
Some examples? Additional kilograms of jam, or 1.02 euros per kilogram or a salty snack with seasonings.
“It appears likely that a ban on selling energy drinks to people under the age of 18 will be in 2025,” the report adds.
“Germany has no national policy for nannies.”
As the report states, some of the lowest taxes on German beer, spirit and tobacco are “the best countries to drink, smoke, smoke and eat in the EU.”
Only three of Germany’s 16 states have comprehensive smoking bans in public places – Bavaria, North Rhinewestphalia, and Sarland – other states have restrictions based on the size of the facility, the status of the facility, and whether food is provided.
There are no special restrictions on food or soft drinks, and there are no sugar tax.
However, taxes will be imposed on e-cigarette fluids, which are expected to rise to 0.32 euros in 2026.
Also, nicotine pouches are listed as food, so “virtually” is prohibited, and foods cannot contain nicotine in Germany.
Regarding food and soft drinks, authorities have begun taking steps to regulate them in some way in a healthier way.
With a “voluntary agreement” that joined the government, some companies aim to “reformulize food to reduce sugar consumption by at least 10%.”
