EC in talks with Philip Morris over payment to quash lawsuits

The European Commission (EC) has confirmed it is in talks with tobacco company Philip Morris International with the objective of securing a substantial payment to avoid lawsuits over allegations it colluded in the smuggling of cigarettes into the EU.

"We are in negotiations with Philip Morris to combat illegal smuggling and counterfeit cigarettes," said Elisabeth Werner, spokeswoman for budget commissioner Michaele Schreyer. The commission is looking for Philip Morris to make "a large payment over a number of years," she said.