Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002918/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tomasz Buczek (PfE)
The Commission’s tax policy priorities for 2025 were presented at the meeting of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) on 6 February 2025. These included a revision of Directive 2011/64/EU on the taxation of tobacco products as one of the key areas for action.
The tobacco sector is an important part of the Polish economy, providing employment for over half a million people across the entire value chain, from the cultivation of raw tobacco and processing to distribution.
Poland also pursues a prudent and effective tax policy, resulting in significant budget revenues and one of the smallest grey economies in the EU (below 5%). This is due not only to the efficiency of the domestic customs and tax administration, but also to the implementation of a long-term roadmap for excise duty increases, which provides the market with predictability and stability.
However, we are witnessing increasing regulatory overload in this area. The numerous legislative changes in the areas of both excise duty and health regulations over the last year are creating an atmosphere of uncertainty for businesses and discouraging investment.
In light of the foregoing:
- 1.Does the Commission intend to take the differences in terms of health risks into account by appropriately adjusting the taxation of smokeless products in relation to traditional tobacco products?
- 2.Does the Commission foresee an increase in the fiscal burden imposed on products covered by the Directive as a result of its revision?
Submitted: 16.7.2025