EU.XL Is the EU cracking down on Tobacco? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot The EU is considering its biggest overhaul of tobacco taxes in over a decade through a revised Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD). The proposal would increase minimum excise duties on cigarettes by 139 percent and introduce EU-wide minimum taxes on vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. 17/08/2026
EU.XL Can the EU stop smoking by taxing cigarettes? Take our poll The EU is proposing sharp tax increases on cigarettes and, for the first time, EU-wide minimum excise duties on vapes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches. This follows a review that found current tobacco laws are no longer keeping pace with the rapidly evolving nicotine market. 17/08/2026
Health news Smokers know tobacco causes cancer but less about heart risks A new research covering more than 240,000 smokers across 46 countries finds little progress in understanding the cardiovascular damage caused by tobacco — raising questions about whether decades of health warnings are getting through. 14/08/2026
Health news Greece launches app to stop alcohol and tobacco sales to kids Greece now applies the age certification system favoured by the European Union 18/03/2026
Health news Could the UK’s smokefree generation law end youth smoking? The policy could lead to health gains that build over time, with tens of thousands of additional healthy years of life. By 2075, the policy could deliver around 88,000 extra healthy life years compared with no new law. 12/02/2026
Health news Nearly 40% of cancer cases are likely preventable, study says A new study has revealed that more than one third of new cancer cases globally could be prevented by controlling common risk factors such as smoking and alcohol. 04/02/2026
Health news Greece launches digital tools to enforce alcohol and tobacco sales ban Three digital tools aim to help Greece curb the sale of tobacco and alcohol products to children and teenagers. 20/11/2025
Travel News Maldives brings in smoking ban for young people - including tourists The Maldives already has strict rules around bringing electronic cigarettes into the country. 04/11/2025
Health news More than 100 million people now vaping, WHO says in new report While global smoking rates have fallen sharply, a new WHO report warning that vaping is fuelling a “new wave of nicotine addiction”. 07/10/2025
Health news Men’s secondhand smoke exposure in childhood may affect their own kids The Australian research team urged fathers to break the cycle by avoiding smoking around their children. 03/09/2025
Health news Teen vaping linked to smoking, marijuana, and alcohol use, study says The researchers called for stronger action to prevent teenagers and young adults from getting hooked on e-cigarettes. 20/08/2025
Health news Greece wants to jail people for selling alcohol or tobacco to children The law is wide-reaching. Here's what's in it. 04/07/2025
Health news Greece introduces new tobacco rules to minimise risks to children The Greek bill comes as other member states put pressure on the European Union to raise tobacco taxes. 30/06/2025
Health news Smokers buying cigarettes abroad after the Netherlands raised taxes The Dutch public health agency said policy changes are needed to prevent smokers from evading the country’s high tobacco taxes by buying these products abroad. 18/06/2025
Europe News EU Commission faces rising pressure to tax vapes and nicotine pouches Countries like Italy, Greece and Romania, which have lower taxes than other member states, are against the proposal. 02/06/2025
Health news UK ban on single-use vapes comes into force to stop children's use The UK's move follows e-cigarette restrictions by countries like Belgium and Australia. 02/06/2025