MEP Christel Schaldemose (S&D) has called on the European Commission to accelerate the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) to address the surge in new nicotine products among young people, citing targeted marketing via product design, social media, flavours and packaging. In a parliamentary question submitted on 3 June 2026, Schaldemose asks how the Commission will incorporate recommendations from the Nordic Cancer Union (NCU), which in February 2026 urged a TPD update, and whether Member States will retain full power to ban certain tobacco and nicotine categories under Article 24(3) of the current directive. She also demands a transparent, timely revision process shielded from tobacco industry interference, in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (Article 5.3).
The question follows the European Parliament’s draft report on the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, which echoed concerns about novel nicotine products. The Commission’s own evaluation of the EU tobacco control framework, published earlier, highlighted the need to adapt legislation to emerging risks. Schaldemose’s three specific queries seek concrete commitments: first, on integrating NCU recommendations; second, on preserving Member States’ opt-out powers for harmful products; and third, on ensuring industry non-interference. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its response will signal the direction and ambition of the upcoming TPD revision.
The revision could impose stricter marketing and product restrictions on the tobacco and nicotine industry, particularly manufacturers of e-cigarettes and novel nicotine products, potentially reducing their market access. Public health groups and cancer organisations would benefit from stronger regulatory tools to curb youth uptake. EU consumers, especially young people, may see reduced availability of flavoured or attractively packaged products. National authorities would gain clearer legal grounds to ban specific categories, but may face implementation costs and industry pushback.