A group of 16 European public health NGOs has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing revision of the EU Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD), alleging that recent advisory opinions may reflect arguments aligned with the tobacco industry.

In a statement published on 17 March 2026, the organizations pointed to an opinion issued by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), an advisory EU body, which they say includes positions previously associated with industry stakeholders. They also raised similar concerns about a draft report from the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON).

According to the NGOs, the EESC opinion supports concepts such as “risk-proportionate taxation” for newer nicotine products and raises concerns about potential increases in illicit trade following higher excise duties, arguments that the organizations say are contested by independent public health research.

The statement also highlights concerns about potential conflicts of interest, noting that the rapporteur of the EESC opinion holds a role within a business federation that includes tobacco companies among its members. The NGOs argue that this could raise questions regarding impartiality in the advisory process.

More broadly, the organizations emphasize that tobacco taxation remains a key public health tool and call for the revision of the TTD to be guided by independent scientific evidence. They underline that the outcome of the legislative process will be relevant in the context of broader EU public health objectives, including reducing smoking prevalence across the region.

The European Commission has not yet finalized its proposal for the revised directive.