MEPs are trying to tighten rules governing the multibillion-pound tobacco market by imposing bigger and bolder warnings on cigarette packs, banning most flavourings like menthol and beefing up regulation of electronic cigarettes.

They are set to vote on the sweeping legislation after months of wrangling with tobacco lobbyists, who claim it is disproportionate regulation limiting consumer freedom, and officials advocating the benefits to public health.

Treatment of smoke-related diseases costs about 25 billion euro a year, and the EU estimates there are around 700,000 smoking-related deaths annually across the 28-nation bloc.

If a majority of MEPs back the legislation, the European Parliament must still reach a compromise with EU governments on certain points before the rules can come into force, possibly next year.