Tobacco Europe views the European Parliament vote against the ECON Committee’s Opinion on the revision of the Tobacco Excise Directive as a lost opportunity.

While the Parliament’s Opinion would not be binding, the absence of an agreed Opinion fails to provide a clear position as discussions move forward. At the same time, the European Parliament’s rejection of the Commission proposal sends a clear signal about the need to substantively revisit key element of the original text.

We call for future discussions on tobacco taxation anchored in evidence, proportionality, and public health objectives.