Europe: Ireland attempts a final compromise before the Lithuanian presidency

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The Irish presidency of the Council of the EU has submitted a new compromise proposal on the reform of the EU tobacco structure and excise duties, which would impose a minimum excise tax on e-liquids for the first time. The agreement, which requires unanimity, is targeted for November 9, but the Swedish government crisis and resistance from several member states are complicating the negotiations.

The EU Council presidency, led by Ireland, has presented new compromise texts on the restructuring of European taxation for tobacco products, which would also subject e-liquids to a mandatory minimum excise tax. The High Level Working Party on Tax Questions discussed the non-public drafts on October 26, and a political agreement among finance ministers is scheduled for November 9.

Adopting the proposal requires a unanimous vote from all 27 member states; however, due to the Swedish government crisis, the primary opponent is currently unable to represent a substantive position. Additionally, about ten other member states, including Italy, Portugal, and Romania, have raised concerns regarding various elements of the draft.

If no agreement is reached by the end of the year, the dossier will pass to Lithuania in January 2027, which maintains some of the strictest restrictions on e-cigarettes in Europe. Lithuanian regulations have already banned flavors other than tobacco, and a significant tax increase on e-liquids is scheduled for the beginning of next year.

In brief

  • The Irish EU presidency has submitted a new excise tax compromise for the regulation of e-liquids.
  • Finance ministers are aiming for a decision on November 9, which requires a unanimous vote from all 27 member states.
  • The government crisis in Sweden and reservations from about ten other member states may hinder the agreement.
  • If there is no consensus by the end of the year, the dossier will be taken over by Lithuania, which applies particularly strict rules.

Source: VapingPost FR (fr.vapingpost.com)

This summary was prepared by artificial intelligence based on the original article.