The European Heart Network (EHN), together with a broad coalition of European and national public health and civil society organisations, has signed a joint letter to the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union expressing concern over the current direction of negotiations on the revision of the EU Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD).
The signatories warn that proposals to reduce minimum excise tax rates, weaken indexation mechanisms and extend transition periods could significantly undermine the Directive’s ability to reduce tobacco and nicotine consumption, particularly among young people. They stress that taxation remains one of the most effective tools to prevent tobacco use, reduce nicotine addiction and protect public health.
In their joint appeal, the organisations call on Member States to preserve the level of ambition proposed by the European Commission, maintain a strong and timely indexation mechanism, and avoid excessive transition periods, especially for products increasingly used by young people. The letter also highlights that concerns about illicit trade should not be used to justify weaker measures, as evidence shows that illicit markets are primarily driven by weak enforcement rather than higher tax rates.
The organisations underline that the revised Tobacco Taxation Directive represents a unique opportunity to make tobacco and nicotine products less affordable, prevent youth initiation and contribute to the EU’s objective of achieving a tobacco-free generation by 2040. With more than 700,000 people dying each year in the European Union from tobacco-related diseases, they urge policymakers to ensure that public health remains at the heart of the negotiations.
The joint letter was signed by EHN CEO Birgit Berger alongside representatives of leading European health organisations, including the Smoke Free Partnership, European Cancer Organisation, European Respiratory Society, Association of European Cancer Leagues, European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention, International Diabetes Federation Europe, United European Gastroenterology and the Standing Committee of European Doctors.
Read the joint letter to the Cypriot Presidency