On Thursday 2 April, the European Commission published an evaluation report on EU tobacco control legislation, highlighting the significant progress made in reducing tobacco consumption and its impact on health, but also pointing out the challenges posed by novel products and digital marketing strategies.
This document, which covers the period 2012-2025, paves the way for possible legislative revisions to adapt the regulatory framework to market developments.
The report concludes that the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and the Tobacco Advertising Directive (TAD) have contributed to an 8.6% reduction in tobacco-related deaths in the EU between 2012 and 2023. In 2022, tobacco was still responsible for around 20% of cancer cases in the EU, causing more than 250,000 deaths from lung, trachea or bronchial cancer.
Flagship measures, such as the ban on characterising flavours in cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTP), the extension of the traceability system to all tobacco products and the adoption of recommendations for smoke- and aerosol-free environments, have helped to strengthen public health protection, particularly for young people.
Novel products. However, the assessment highlights the emergence of new challenges, including the growing popularity of e-cigarettes, HTPs and nicotine packs among young people, as well as the influence of digital marketing strategies. These products, often flavoured and coloured, are seen as a gateway to nicotine addiction. The report also highlights the limitations of the data available to accurately quantify the economic and health impact of the measures, due to the complexity of the factors involved and the rapid evolution of the market.
The report identifies several priority areas for updating the legislation: - tighter supervision of novel products (electronic cigarettes, HTP, nicotine packs), with particular attention paid to flavours and marketing aimed at young people; - harmonisation of rules on online advertising, to combat digital strategies that encourage consumption; - extension of smoke-free environments, including outdoor spaces and novel products; - strengthening the traceability system to combat illegal trade more effectively; - targeted measures to protect young people.
On the basis of this assessment, the Commission will now carry out an impact analysis and continue large-scale consultations with a view to further political action. As set out in the Safe Hearts Plan, it plans to propose a revision of the legislative framework on tobacco control by 2026.
Link to the report: https://aeur.eu/f/lfk (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)