European coalition calls for impact assessment on tobacco regulations

A coalition of 201 European businesses and professional organizations sent a formal letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on November 3, 2026. The group is demanding a comprehensive assessment of the economic and social consequences before any further revisions to the European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive and the Tobacco Advertising Directive are enacted.

The coalition, representing a diverse range of sectors including retail, wholesale, agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality, warned that poorly formulated regulatory changes could threaten employment, discourage investment, and reduce significant tax revenues across the continent. The signatories argue that current proposals lack sufficient documentation regarding the potential negative impact on the European labor market and the broader economy.

While the coalition has issued its formal request, there is no immediate indication of a change in the Commission's legislative agenda. The group maintains that any legislative path moving forward must be supported by transparent and thorough evidence to prevent unintended fiscal and social fallout.