This decision was the result of an assessment of the framework policy on tobacco control conducted by the European Commission. Although the proportion of adult smokers in the EU has fallen from 28% to 24%, approximately one in four Europeans still smokes, and about 700,000 people die each year from smoking-related diseases.
The proposed revision to the Tobacco Products Taxation Directive calls for a 139% increase in minimum excise taxes on cigarettes, the introduction of EU-wide taxes on new nicotine-containing products, and the expansion of the tracking system for illicit products.
New Tobacco Products
Tobacco consumption is shifting from traditional cigarettes to products such as e-cigarettes, tobacco heating devices (e.g., IQOS), and nicotine pouches.
The World Health Organization reports that in the European region, 11.6% of adolescents aged 13–15 already use such products. Experts warn that although these products contain fewer harmful substances than conventional cigarettes, they are not risk-free and are addictive. Moreover, they are increasingly being promoted using flavorings, social media, and marketing strategies targeted at young people.
The proposal on taxation remains a subject of debate. In June 2026, the European Parliament was unable to adopt a non-binding opinion after members rejected a watered-down version of the report, failing to reach agreement on the scope of the reforms.
The process continues, as decisions on tax legislation are made by the Council of the European Union, which requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states.
