Commissioner Várhelyi has defended the European Commission's evaluation of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) against criticism that it ignored the impact on raw tobacco producers and rural areas, while pledging that a full impact assessment will be carried out before any revision is proposed. The answer, given on 9 July 2026, responds to a parliamentary question from Polish ECR MEP Anna Zalewska, who argued that the evaluation published on 2 April 2026 failed to analyse effects on tobacco farmers, employment in rural areas, and agricultural supply chains—particularly in Poland, which accounts for 12% of EU tobacco production and supports over 20,000 farmers.
Várhelyi insisted the evaluation was conducted in full compliance with the better regulation framework, noting that consultations gathered input from a broad range of stakeholders including economic operators and business associations. He stated that all relevant feedback was analysed to assess the directives' effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence, and EU added value. However, the Commissioner acknowledged that the evaluation itself did not include a specific agricultural impact analysis, instead pointing to the upcoming impact assessment as the appropriate vehicle for such considerations.
The Commission has already launched wide-ranging consultation activities to support possible future policy measures: a call for evidence on the revision of EU tobacco control rules was published on 18 May 2026, followed by a public consultation on 22 May 2026. Várhelyi emphasised that these consultations provide all citizens and stakeholders, including agricultural representatives, with an opportunity to share their views. The impact assessment will be carried out in full compliance with the better regulation framework, suggesting that the Commission intends to address the territorial and rural impacts that Zalewska flagged.
The Commission is proceeding methodically, separating the evaluation (which assesses existing rules) from the impact assessment (which will examine future options). This approach allows the Commission to argue that no omission occurred, while still promising to consider agricultural impacts later. The timeline for the revision remains unclear, but the consultation activities indicate that legislative proposals are likely in 2027 or later.
Polish tobacco farmers and rural communities face uncertainty until the impact assessment is completed; they may benefit if the revision includes transitional support or exemptions. Public health advocates may see the agricultural focus as a potential delay or dilution of stricter tobacco control measures. EU regulatory bodies will need to balance health objectives with economic and social impacts on rural areas. The tobacco industry could gain leverage if agricultural concerns lead to weaker restrictions.