At a glance – Buzz@Bruss!

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In March, the European Parliament adopted its position on the so-called Green Claims Directive, a proposal to reinforce regulatory measures against false or misleading environmental claims.
JTI supports proportionate and reasonable sustainability regulation that commits everyone equally and fairly to ensure the creation of a better future for all. Therefore, it is frankly shameful that such a sector-neutral initiative has been abused by some activist politicians to single out the tobacco industry demanding that none of their environmental claims should be allowed.

such a provision would trample over all modern principles of policy making

JTI has long been concerned about a lack of impartiality and glaring displays of tobacco industry exclusion in public policy making in Brussels. We’re pushing for more transparency, accountability and inclusiveness so that no single perspective dominates the decision-making process on public policies.

Already in the first edition of Buzz@Bruss!, we raised concerns about how the European Commission has been handling the recent public consultation process on the Tobacco Products Directive. Our industry association, Tobacco Europe, filed an open letter – now the European Ombudsman has reacted.

Francesco Gaglioppa, JTI’s EU Affairs Director regulation, shared a panel at EVO NXT in Malaga, the leading event dedicated to innovation in next generation products, to emphasize preserving the proper regulatory and market space for alternative tobacco and nicotine-containing products with the potential for tobacco harm reduction.

The panel focused on the future of a regulatory framework for nicotine pouches and discussed Sweden as an example to inspire future EU regulation – one that balances a dual approach of reducing risks whilst still giving consumers freedom of choice.

about an innovative approach to RRP policy making

A recent study, reviewing data from 71 countries over the course of 17 years, came up with some interesting conclusions regarding the correlation between taxation and cigarette prices, and the subsequent effect on illegal trade.

The illegal trade in tobacco continues to grow in many regions of the world, up to an estimated 530 billion sticks in 2023. Figures suggest that governments lose between $40 and $50 billion in tobacco excise revenues per year due to the illegal trade.

We asked Johannes Herrle, JTI Fiscal Affairs Director, to highlight and comment on some of the key aspects of the report.

a summary of the findings by Alvarez & Marsal

Don’t miss out on these articles and opinion pieces which shed light and comment on the unintended consequences of RRP flavor bans, the need to cut back on exorbitant EU regulations and the Nordic Nicotine Pouches Alliance’s vision of a responsible framework for this emerging category.

Your thoughts matter to us! Are there any issues you want us to address and write about?

Get in touch! EUAffairs@jti.com