We are on the side of consumers for safer nicotine alternatives

The EU is close to giving nicotine pouches their own place in the Union’s common tax system – without at the same time setting a minimum tax. That is the outcome of a compromise that 26 of 27 member states backed at the ECOFIN meeting on 9 November. But Malta said no and halted the […]

Sweden’s political landscape has changed, but its opposition to Brussels’ proposed nicotine taxes remains. Despite a new centre-left parliamentary majority, the country is maintaining the previous government’s negotiating position, threatening to derail Ireland’s EU Presidency as it pushes for a deal on tobacco taxation. The European Union is approaching a decisive moment in its negotiations […]

As Europe prepares to rewrite its tobacco rules, the EU has an opportunity to make a real difference to public health. But policymakers need to start in the right place. The goal cannot be to tackle all nicotine products with the same tools. The goal must be to reduce deadly smoking. Europe is facing one […]

Ireland has the Presidency, a Tobacco Excise Directive to finish and a Swedish veto blocking the road. If they want to succeed with bringing the EU Member States to a unanimous agreement, its strategic approach is a mystery. The Irish compromise would eventually impose a minimum tax on nicotine pouches of €80/kg. Ireland must surely […]