A majority of EU member states have urged the European Commission to advance a long-awaited plan for taxing vapes and increasing minimum excise rates on cigarettes and cigars, as outlined in a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Fifteen countries, including Germany and France, seek to update the tobacco taxation directive last revised in 2011, addressing new market challenges and reducing tobacco fraud, estimated to cost over €10 billion annually. While a proposal is expected soon, it requires unanimous approval, with some states opposing it due to falling smoking rates and potential impacts on tobacco production.
