Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi has confirmed that the European Commission intends to propose a revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) by the end of 2026, as part of a broader update of EU tobacco control rules. In a written answer to a parliamentary question from Christel Schaldemose (S&D, Denmark), Várhelyi outlined the ongoing preparatory work, including an impact assessment and public consultation launched in May 2026, and stressed that the revision process would comply with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to prevent industry interference. The answer signals the Commission's commitment to addressing the rise in new nicotine product use among young people, but offers no specific commitments on banning certain product categories or on how the Nordic Cancer Union's recommendations will be incorporated.
The question, submitted by Schaldemose on behalf of the S&D group, cited a February 2026 call from the Nordic Cancer Union (NCU) for TPD revision, as well as concerns raised in the European Parliament's draft report on the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan implementation. Schaldemose asked how the Commission would take NCU recommendations into account, whether member states would retain the ability to prohibit certain tobacco and nicotine products under Article 24(3) of the TPD, and how the revision process would be transparent and protected from tobacco industry lobbying.
In his response, Várhelyi noted that the Commission is conducting an impact assessment and consultation activities under the Better Regulation framework. A call for evidence was published on 18 May 2026, followed by a public consultation on 22 May 2026, allowing citizens and stakeholders to provide input. All feedback will be considered when assessing future policy options, he said. However, the Commissioner declined to comment on specific measures that might be included in the future proposal, stating that the Commission cannot prejudge the content of the legislative revision.
On the question of member states' powers to ban certain products, Várhelyi did not directly address whether the revised directive would maintain or strengthen Article 24(3), which currently allows member states to prohibit categories of tobacco and nicotine products for public health reasons. Instead, he reiterated the Commission's commitment to ensuring a high level of health protection, particularly for young people, while maintaining the smooth functioning of the internal market.
The answer provides a clear timeline — proposal by end of 2026 — but remains vague on substance, reflecting the early stage of the policy process. The Commission is still gathering evidence and has not yet formulated concrete legislative options. Stakeholders, including public health advocates and the tobacco industry, will have opportunities to influence the outcome through the ongoing consultation. The revision is expected to address new nicotine products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches, which have seen rising use among young Europeans due to targeted marketing and appealing flavours.
Stakeholder impact
- Public health advocates (e.g., Nordic Cancer Union, European Parliament health committee): The commitment to a revision by end of 2026 is a positive signal, but the lack of concrete measures on banning certain products or restricting marketing may be seen as insufficiently ambitious. The consultation process offers a channel to push for stronger regulation. - Tobacco and nicotine industry: The revision poses a regulatory risk, as new restrictions on product categories, flavours, or marketing could reduce market access and profitability. The industry will likely engage in the consultation to defend its interests, while the Commission's adherence to WHO FCTC Article 5.3 aims to limit undue influence. - EU member states: The answer does not clarify whether the revised directive will preserve or expand member states' ability to ban specific products under Article 24(3). Some member states may seek greater autonomy to address national public health concerns, while others may prefer harmonised rules to avoid internal market fragmentation. - Young consumers and public health: The revision's success in curbing youth uptake of new nicotine products will depend on the specific measures adopted. A strong directive could reduce health risks, while a weak one may fail to reverse current trends.
Institutional follow-up
The Commission's impact assessment and public consultation are ongoing, with the call for evidence open until 18 August 2026 and the public consultation until 22 August 2026. The legislative proposal is expected by the end of 2026, after which it will be subject to the ordinary legislative procedure, requiring approval by the European Parliament and the Council. The Parliament's ENVI committee is likely to play a key role, building on its earlier work on the Beating Cancer Plan. The timeline suggests that the revision could be adopted in 2027 or 2028, depending on political dynamics.