Tobacco: Why won’t Brussels follow Sweden’s ‘smoke free’ policy?
October 14, 2025 by brusselssignal.eu
Tobacco: Why won’t Brussels follow Sweden’s ‘smoke free’ policy?
Sweden's successful anti-smoking approach, with low smoking-related cancer deaths and snus use, contrasts Brussels' upcoming Tobacco Plan. The EU targets a total ban on tobacco products, including harm-reduction items like e-cigarettes and snus, going against industry trends. Philip Morris bought Swedish Match for €14.62 billion, reflecting a shift towards safer nicotine products. Despite Sweden's model reducing cancer rates, Brussels rejects this, proposing updated tobacco taxes and regulations. The EU aims to modernize tobacco taxation laws, considering new products like e-cigarettes in the revised directive effective from 2028. Sweden's opposition to these changes highlights the ongoing tension between national approaches and EU policies.
