Evaluation of the Belgian government’s measures to counteract tobacco industry interference

Abstract Tobacco industry interference remains a major barrier to effective public health policy, undermining tobacco control. Under Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), governments are obligated to protect policymaking from tobacco industry interference. Although Belgium ratified the FCTC in 2005, implementation of Article 5.3 guidelines is incomplete, highlighting the need for systematic monitoring of government responses. This study assesses the Belgian government's efforts to limit tobacco industry interference using the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index (GTI) methodology, which evaluates seven indicators of interference derived from Article 5.3. A desk review of publicly available sources, including websites of the tobacco industry, front groups, government departments and news articles, was conducted for the period October 2020 to March 2025. Indicators were scored based on the frequency and severity of observed interference. Findings reveal several gaps in the Belgian government's responses to tobacco industry interference. While direct involvement of tobacco companies in policymaking is generally avoided, interactions with front groups such as press shop federations persist. Furthermore, the tobacco industry has agreements with the government on litter management, including financial contributions and co-developed campaigns. Key preventive measures are lacking, such as a transparency register, formal disclosure procedures, and a code of conduct for interactions. Positively, the Interfederal Strategy Tobacco 2022-2028 includes commitments that align with Article 5.3, aiming to establish a transparency register and a code of conduct. This study highlights shortcomings of the Belgian government to prevent tobacco industry interference, illustrating how industry tactics still undermine tobacco control policies. It formulates recommendations for stronger regulatory responses, ensuring alignment with international standards. Key messages • Belgium lacks effective measures to prevent tobacco industry interference, revealing gaps in implementing WHO FCTC Article 5.3. • Findings urge the Belgian government to strengthen regulations, enhance transparency of activities and improve accountability of the tobacco industry.