CNA: EU TOBACCO TAX HIKE WILL FUEL BLACK MARKET AND ORGANISED CRIME
The European Commission’s proposed Tobacco Excise Directive revision is criticised by CNA as a revenue-grab disguised as public health policy. Citing EPICENTER research, the article warns that every €1 increase in tobacco taxation expands the black market by 5–12%. With Greece having recently made progress against smuggling, the sharp tax rises on cigarettes, heated tobacco and e-liquids risk shocking consumers, eroding state revenues and strengthening criminal networks instead of improving health.
