2FIRSTS | EU Tobacco Rules Face Pushback as Analysis Says 90% of Consultation Responses Raised Objections
Over 82,000 EU public consultation responses largely opposed the Tobacco Products Directive revision, with 90% raising objections.Summary
An analysis by We Are Innovation found that more than 90 % of the 82,000+ responses to the European Commission’s public consultation on the Tobacco Products Directive revision raised substantial objections, with only about 2 % openly supporting a stricter approach. Objections were widespread across academia, business, NGOs, and the public, and retailers, represented by the European Confederation of Tobacco Retailers, urged stronger legal retail frameworks to prevent illicit trade. The report also highlighted the threat of counterfeit cigarettes, citing an OLAF operation that seized millions of illicit cigarettes, and noted that public health groups emphasize the need for evidence quality over sheer response volume. The outcome will shape how the Commission balances public feedback, scientific evidence, and industry interests in the next phase of EU tobacco regulation.
(Source：2Firsts)
