EPICENTER

Gabriel Hawryluk of FOR, featured in XYZ, reports Poland ranks 8th in EPICENTER’s 2025 Nanny State Index, second in food regulation due to energy drink bans and sugar taxes, and tightening nicotine controls with a 90% e-liquid tax hike by 2027. The index finds no health benefit correlation, advocating economic growth over restrictions.

Adrian Nikolov of the Institute for Market Economics, featured on Darik Radio’s "More on the Topic," argues that a slight cigarette price hike, like 50 stotinki per pack, won’t reduce smoking but will boost treasury revenue. He notes a growing gray market due to cheaper imports from neighboring countries

EPICENTER’s Adam Bartha, featured in Tobacco Reporter, critiques the EU’s revised Tobacco Taxation Directive and TEDOR (€11.2 billion/year), arguing they increase tax burdens on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, contradicting Ursula von der Leyen’s goal of reducing regulatory pressures, without curbing smoking.

Martin Pánek of the Institute of Liberal Studies, featured on Czech Radio Plus, critiques France’s July 2025 smoking ban on beaches and parks, arguing it’s excessive regulation despite protecting children. He advocates personal responsibility over bans in open spaces, while doctor Kamila Zvolská supports the measure, citing WHO data linking smoking to premature deaths, though both note its limited impact on quitting rates.

Martin Vlachynský of INESS, featured in Hnonline, warns that smokers’ tax contributions, rising from €766 million in 2019 to €1 billion this year, are eyed by the European Commission for its budget, including defense and new programs, not healthcare.

INESS, featured in Euractiv, warns that EU efforts to curb smoking with higher tobacco taxes are driving a record illegal trade in 2024, as smokers turn to cheaper illicit options. Their analysis, alongside KPMG, notes Slovakia’s rise from 25th to 17th in the 2024 Nanny State Index due to new taxes on sweetened drinks, vaping, and tobacco, with little impact on quitting rates.

The Bruno Leoni Institute (IBL), in a new editorial, criticizes Italy’s postponed sugar and plastic taxes as harmful with doubtful benefits, impacting Made in Italy sectors with negligible revenue. IBL’s Alberto Mingardi argues the sugar tax unfairly burdens families (drinks are just 0.9% of daily calories) and Europe’s uniform cigarette tax ignores Sweden’s successful alternative approach, achieving a smoke-free 2025. The IBL, with Epicenter, relaunches the Nanny State Index, advocating education over taxation.