Portugal Pushes Back: The Economic and Public Health Stakes in the EU Tobacco Tax Reform
August 07, 2025 by ginn.global
Portugal Pushes Back: The Economic and Public Health Stakes in the EU Tobacco Tax Reform
As the European Commission pushes forward on its most ambitious tobacco tax reform in over a decade, Portugal has stepped up as a strong opponent to key elements of the proposal. The sweeping reform, designed to align with the EU’s Beating Cancer Plan and introduce minimum tax levels on novel nicotine products like vapes and pouches, has drawn praise from public health advocates. But it also faces mounting criticism from countries that warn of unintended consequences. At the forefront of this resistance is Portugal, which argues that the proposed tax increases could undercut public health goals, harm national budgets, and fuel illicit trade.
23.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.1 million current smokers in Portugal 30.80% of men are current smokers but only 16.70% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
