The EU started the review of the Tobacco Directive to curb the number of smokers. Photo: Chris Sant FournierThe EU started the review of the Tobacco Directive to curb the number of smokers. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

The European Union’s Tobacco Directive has moved a step closer to fruition and now only requires one more vote, at European Parliament level in January, where no surprises are expected since all political groups have signalled their agreement.

Yesterday, the European Council's Permanent Representatives Committee approved a compromise text for a revised directive

Hailing this as a “victory”, Health Commissioner Tonio Borg said the directive had passed through all stages “in record time”, despite the problems it encountered.

Dr Borg presented the directive a year ago when he had only been Commissioner for a few weeks, after his predecessor John Dalli was made to resign over allegations that a former helper had requested money to influence tobacco rules.

E-cigarettes are included in the directive

The EU started the review of the Tobacco Directive because it saw the need to curb smoking among young people, reduce the number of smoking-related diseases, tackle the illegal trade and regulate marketing and advertising of tobacco products to discourage the public from smoking.

The purpose of the directive is to bring member states’ regulations on the ingredients and emissions of tobacco products closer together.

Cigarette packets will have to have larger images carrying warnings that will cover 65 per cent of both front and back surfaces and any out-side packaging.

Small packs of cigarettes have been banned because they are often mistaken for cosmetic products or sweets. Flavoured cigarettes, including the menthol flavoured variety, will be gradually phased out.

Cigarette packets will be tracked to be able to easily identify whether they were produced in the EU or whether they are imitations.

Dr Borg noted that the Commission had also succeeded in ensuring that e-cigarettes are included in the directive, which limits advertising for them too.

The battery-operated products turn nicotine into a vapour inhaled by the user and are often marketed as a less harmful alternative to tobacco.

Many health experts say e-cigarettes are useful for people trying to quit or cut down on nicotine.

Treatment of smoke-related diseases costs €25 billion a year.

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