The European Commission is under increasing pressure to introduce EU-wide taxes on vapes and nicotine pouches, as calls grow to modernize outdated tobacco tax legislation and tackle rising youth nicotine use.
Last week, 15 finance and economy ministers from across the EU sent a joint letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging swift publication of the long-delayed revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD). The ministers cited growing health concerns and a need to address the regulatory gap around emerging nicotine products like e-cigarettes and pouches.
A recent ESPAD (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs) report found that daily smoking and vaping among 15- and 16-year-olds in Europe nearly doubled from 7.9% in 2019 to 14% in 2024.
Health experts warn that nicotine exposure in adolescents can lead to addiction and long-term damage to brain development.
