The EU has scaled back plans to raise tobacco taxes after several member states objected to the size of the proposed increases, says Tobacco Journal .

A revised draft lowers the proposed minimum cigarette tax from €4.30 to €4.00 per pack and gives countries four years to implement it instead of applying it immediately. Minimum taxes for heated tobacco and e-cigarette liquids were also reduced.

The changes reflect efforts to reach consensus, as the EU Council must approve the plan unanimously. Public health groups warn the weaker proposal will reduce its impact on cutting tobacco-related deaths, while industry groups argue the original plan risked boosting illicit trade.

Further revisions are expected, with final approval likely in 2027 and implementation in 2028.