The tobacco industry has intensified its lobbying efforts in Brussels, securing a 57% increase in meetings with MEPs to influence policy. This surge in corporate influence comes as the European Union aims to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2040.
Data from Transparency International reveals that monthly meetings between industry representatives and MEPs reached 23 in June 2026, up from an average of 14.7. Major players, including Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International, and Imperial Brands, spend €8 million to €10 million annually to influence policies on vaping, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches.
Public health organizations warn of a severe imbalance in access to decision-makers. During the analyzed period, health NGOs secured 12 meetings with influential MEPs, whereas PMI alone held 121 meetings.
This lobbying push coincided with the European Parliament rejecting the proposed revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive on June 17, in a 439 to 181 vote. Health advocates argue that amendments introduced during negotiations weakened the tax proposals on new nicotine products.
Rapporteur Thomas Kubin defended the rejection, stating that high tax increases could reduce state revenues and encourage the illicit tobacco trade. The European Commission must now draft a new proposal or wait for the Council of the EU to resume negotiations.
