In the letter presented to Health Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi, the European Commission urges action against harmful tobacco and novel nicotine products. Highlighting the increasing prevalence among youth and the issue of cross-border distance sales, this call underscores the challenges in creating a smoke-free generation by 2040. The leaders emphasize the need to address legal frameworks that date back to 2022 and 2024, particularly the Tobacco Products Directive and Tobacco Taxation Directive, which are not yet fully operational. The Commission is concerned about the uncertainty and potential repercussions of delayed legislative revisions, fearing the consequences on public health and the competition from niche platforms like e-cigarettes.
Calls for future-proof legislation also arise, targeting restrictions on flavour, nicotine levels, and packaging to protect children. The letter further addresses challenges posed by cross-border snacks, urging the Commission to prioritize these measures within its strict territorial sovereignty. These measures should be directed to an unspecified external body, ensuring a robust and targeted approach.
To effectively tackle the issues raised, the Commission should immediately implement messaging campaigns, counterparties, and advanced warning systems. Measures will be distributed to relevant authorities and key opinion leaders across member states. These materials must be accessible, suitable for public discourse, and in conjunction with ongoing research. Furthermore, initiation procedures within member states should expedite the new legislation, with oversight mechanisms ensuring proper oversight and feedback loops. This proactive approach aims to create a unified strategy for tackling challenging tobacco issues.
