Brussels – Fifteen member states, including the Czech Republic, complained today in Brussels about the alleged inadequacy of the directive on tobacco taxation. According to a letter signed by the finance and economy ministers of these states, including Zbyňek Stanjura, the current legislative framework is outdated and insufficiently addresses the current state of the tobacco market, including new products.
According to the finance ministers, problems with smuggling, illegal trade, and the production of tobacco products persist, which they claim disrupts the single market.
The authors further remind that the EU Council called on the European Commission in June 2020 and February 2025 to present a legislative proposal that would address the current market developments.
The ministers also express concern that the Commission has not yet included the update of the directive in this year’s work program. According to the ministers, it is necessary for the tobacco taxation directive to be addressed independently of the revision of the directive on tobacco products.
As early as December of last year, a similar initiative was put forward by 16 EU member states, including the Czech Republic. At that time, they also requested the European Commission to propose a new regulation regarding the taxation of tobacco products. According to them, it should include new products such as electronic cigarettes. Austria has joined the new group, while Croatia and Portugal have dropped out compared to December. (May 26)