Várhelyi cornered over EU budget and tobacco rules
May 11, 2026 by eunews.it
Várhelyi cornered over EU budget and tobacco rules
European Commissioner for Health Olivér Várhelyi faced scepticism in a dialogue with MEPs, particularly concerning the EU budget allocation for health and tobacco product regulations. Despite defending the proposed budget and his stance on taxation of tobacco alternatives, Várhelyi's performance is under scrutiny, compounded by Hungary's political shifts. The debate on healthcare funding revealed concerns about the budget's adequacy, with differing opinions on tobacco regulation's impact. Várhelyi's position is further challenged by industry experts' conflicting views on the harm levels of alternative nicotine products. The political landscape, including Péter Magyar's election win in Hungary, raises uncertainties about Várhelyi's future as a European Commissioner.
