9 February, 2026
ERS brought together policymakers, clinicians, economists, and civil society actors in Brussels to discuss the health and economic benefits of the European Commission’s proposed Tobacco Taxation Directive.
The Society’s “Taxing times for tobacco: effective EU fiscal policy for the protection of Europe’s youngest citizens” event sparked ‘pivotal’ conversations on the proposed Directive, and featured speakers from EU institutions, respiratory and cardiovascular medicine, health economics, and tobacco control.
Discussions combined scientific evidence on nicotine-related harm, with a practical examination of EU tax design, implementation timelines, and EU Council decision-making dynamics.
A consistent thread across both of the event’s panel discussions was that taxation works when it is coherent, comprehensive, and timely. Speakers also highlighted that among the things that weaken public health impact and allow industry-led substitution strategies were outdated minimum rates, fragmented coverage of novel nicotine products, and delayed implementation.
Particular concern was raised about novel products exploiting regulatory gaps, with implications for both population-level health outcomes and the protection of children and young people, who are more price-sensitive than adults.
Dr Filippos Filippidis, ERS Tobacco Control Committee Chair, said:
“We need to stay focused on the core issue: nicotine is addictive, and regulatory gaps allow that addiction to be sustained and expanded, particularly through new products.
“Children and young people are more price-sensitive than adults, which means tax design is a powerful lever for prevention if it is applied consistently across products.”
The discussion also addressed tobacco industry interference and the persistence of “harm reduction” narratives that obscure addiction and long-term harm.
Overall, the event reinforced that the choices made in the current legislative phase will shape nicotine markets and lung health outcomes for the next generation.