Share Your Views on the EU’s New Proposal on Tobacco Taxation
05th Sep 2025
Now is your chance to make your voice heard! The European Commission has opened an eight-week feedback period on its proposal to revise the Tobacco Excise Directive (TED). By taxing tobacco, the aim is to reduce consumption and contribute to the EU’s plan to beat cancer. However, experiences from countries like soon-to-be smoke-free Sweden show that higher taxes alone do not solve the problem. High prices need to be complemented by better access to alternative nicotine products to succeed. And this is something the Commission seems to be ignoring.
The Commission argues that tobacco taxation is the most cost-effective tool, while also pointing out that large price differences between Member States lead to unwanted cross-border trade. With this proposal, the Commission aims to create more uniform taxation while also addressing public health, illicit trade, and environmental concerns.
EU 20 Years Behind Sweden
The Commission itself highlights that the high number of smokers in the EU remains a major concern, with 26% of adults and 29% of young people still smoking. The EU has set a goal of becoming smoke-free by 2045. Sweden, however, is expected to achieve this already this year – thanks to differentiated tax rates and the long-standing availability of alternatives such as snus and nicotine pouches. And the statistics speak clearly: Sweden has significantly fewer smoking-related diseases and deaths than the rest of Europe.
Focusing solely on raising taxes, without ensuring continued access to alternatives to deadly cigarettes, could therefore be downright dangerous for public health.
Make Your Voice Heard!
Now you have the opportunity to make your voice heard. Have you managed to quit smoking thanks to nicotine pouches? Have vapes helped you cut down on cigarettes? Would higher taxes on cigarettes compared to alternative nicotine products make you quit for good? Write and share your experience!
All submitted feedback will be compiled by the Commission and presented to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union as part of the legislative process.
The consultation is open to everyone via the EU’s official platform Have Your Say. The deadline for submitting comments is October 29. In order to contribute you’ll need to register or log in using your existing social media account. Contribute to European public health by submitting your views today!
