Can the EU stop smoking and vaping? Not quite, but it can raise taxes.
The EU proposes increasing excise duties on cigarettes and new nicotine products to combat smoking and vaping.Summary
The European Commission has proposed an overhaul of the Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD) to increase minimum excise duties on cigarettes by 139 percent. The plan also aims to introduce EU-wide minimum taxes on vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches for the first time.
Smoking remains a significant health issue in Europe, contributing to approximately 700,000 annual deaths and costing €25 billion in healthcare expenses. While current rules have reduced smoking rates, they struggle to address the rise of newer nicotine products and online marketing that target younger generations.
If the proposal receives unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states, it will increase the cost of cigarettes and alternative nicotine products while expanding tobacco tracking systems to combat illegal trade.
(Source：Euronews)
