Joint letter in support of a stronger Tobacco Taxation Directive
Taxation is among the most effective tools to reduce tobacco use. Higher taxes are the most effective measure to discourage young people from initiating tobacco and nicotine use while also contributing substantially to public revenue.
Smoking prevalence has declined in the EU over the past decade (from 28% to 24% between 2012 and 2023). About 40% of the decline is attributed to the impact of taxation policies, notably the increase of the minimum excise duties on tobacco products following the revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD).
The proposed TTD has the potential to reduce smoking prevalence from the current 24% to 20.8% (approximately 12 million fewer smokers in the EU) during the first year of implementation and bring an additional €20.22 billion in tax revenue in the first year, while having a limited impact on overall inflation in the EU.
European health organisations—including EuroHealthNet—are calling on Member States to support a stronger revision of the European Union Tobacco Excise Directive. Their joint letter sets out eight concrete policy recommendations to accelerate tobacco and nicotine control, including harmonising the tax base across all tobacco and nicotine products to close price gaps and reduce consumption. The signatories urge ambitious, equity-focused taxation that protects young people, discourages initiation, supports quitting, and secures sustainable revenues for health promotion.
