A coalition of 15 European Union member states, including Germany, France, and Spain, is pressing the European Commission to urgently implement its overdue plan to tax vaping products and significantly increase minimum excise rates on cigarettes and cigars. In a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, these countries called for the immediate update of tobacco tax guidelines, which were last revised in 2011.
The proposal, initially due in 2022 but delayed over inflation concerns, aims to harmonize tobacco taxation across the bloc and introduce EU-wide minimum taxes for vapes. A leaked 2022 version suggested potential minimum excise hikes of 100% for cigarettes and up to 900% for cigars. However, major tobacco-producing countries like Italy, Greece, and Romania oppose the move, arguing smoking rates are already declining. The push for stricter taxation reflects efforts to control the tobacco industry and address new nicotine products.
- News source: Uni Eropa Didesak Naikkan Pajak dan Cukai Rokok
