17 July, 2025
The European Respiratory Society (ERS) welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to revise the Council directive 2011/64 – also known as the Tobacco Taxation Directive – on the structure and rates of excise duty applied to manufactured tobacco.
This long-overdue update represents a critical step toward aligning tobacco taxation policy with current public health priorities, market realities, and the evolving landscape of tobacco and nicotine products.
In line with the ambition of a tobacco-free generation by 2040, ERS highlights that an ambitious Tobacco Taxation Directive can help to reduce tobacco consumption across the EU by:
- ensuring greater tax fairness;
- closing regulatory loopholes;
- supporting Member States in safeguarding public health and generating essential revenue.
ERS urges the European Parliament and Member States to strengthen the directive further during the legislative process and stand ready to provide support for its achievement.
Speaking about the directive, Dr Filippos Filippidis (ERS Tobacco Control Committee Chair) said: “Taxation is a key element of tobacco control. The tobacco industry has developed many strategies to circumvent high taxes, including manipulation of cigarette prices within and across countries and taking advantage of low taxation on other nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. Closing those loopholes and making those products less affordable can defend public health against tobacco and protect Europeans.”
Read the ERS statement in full.
Tobacco consumption remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and premature death in the EU. Learn more about ERS advocacy activities related to tobacco control.