Can the EU stop smoking and vaping? Not quite, but it can raise taxes.
EU proposes a 139% cigarette tax hike and new taxes on vapes, aiming to curb rising nicotine use.Summary
The European Commission has proposed a major overhaul of the Tobacco Taxation Directive, which would raise minimum excise duties on cigarettes by 139% and introduce EU‑wide minimum taxes on vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. The plan still needs unanimous approval from all 27 member states. Smoking remains common, with about 24% of Europeans smoking, roughly 300 billion cigarettes sold each year, and smoking‑related illnesses causing around 700,000 deaths and €25 billion in health costs annually. New nicotine products and online marketing are affecting younger generations; the WHO reports that 11.6% of teens aged 13‑15 use vapes, heated tobacco, or pouches. The Commission wants to tax these products at EU level for the first time and expand the tobacco tracking system to fight illegal trade. If adopted, the revised directive would increase prices for cigarettes and alternative nicotine products while raising compliance costs for tobacco companies.
(Source：AOL.co.uk)
