Sweden set to block EU tobacco tax rules reform
May 29, 2026 by euractiv.com
Sweden set to block EU tobacco tax rules reform
Sweden’s opposition to the EU tobacco tax reform is adding further pressure to an already contested debate over nicotine taxation and national policy autonomy. The proposal would raise minimum excise duties on cigarettes while also introducing EU-level minimum taxes for newer products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Critics argue that applying steep or poorly differentiated taxes to lower-risk nicotine products could weaken harm reduction incentives and reduce the price advantage that helps smokers move away from combustible tobacco. The dispute highlights wider tensions between harmonised EU fiscal policy, Member State sovereignty, illicit trade concerns and evidence-based regulation built around relative risk.
9.90% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 867,000 current smokers in Sweden 11.70% of men are current smokers but only 8.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
