Fifteen European Union finance and economics ministers are urging European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to urgently issue a revised Tobacco Tax Directive (TTD). They argue the current legislation is outdated and fails to address new nicotine products like vapes and nicotine pouches, citing significant health concerns, particularly the alarming rise in youth vaping rates.
Studies such as the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) have highlighted a significant increase in daily smoking and vaping among 15- and 16-year-olds. Health experts warn that adolescent nicotine exposure can harm brain development and lead to addiction. The proposed directive aims to substantially increase taxes on traditional tobacco products and, for the first time, introduce minimum EU-wide excise duties for e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches. Proponents believe higher prices will make these products less accessible, especially to young people.
However, the proposal faces resistance from some member states with lower current tax rates, like Italy, Greece, and Romania, who are concerned about the impact on their domestic tobacco industries. Industry groups also criticize the tax-focused approach, arguing it won't effectively protect minors and could fuel the black market, suggesting stricter enforcement against underage sales instead. Despite these challenges and the need for unanimous approval, European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra remains optimistic that the revised directive could be adopted by the summer.
