Ireland pushes for stricter EU-wide minimum tax rules on tobacco products

Simon Harris said that while he is hopeful, unanimity across Europe could prove a stumbling block

The package would establish EU-wide minimum tax rules, not a single retail price for tobacco or vapes. Ireland could continue to set its own excise rates above the EU minimums. File picture

Ireland is pushing for an EU-wide agreement on stricter tobacco tax rules, but Tánaiste Simon Harris has admitted that an agreement could be difficult.

The European Commission’s proposed overhaul of EU tobacco taxes has faced continued opposition from member states ahead of an attempt by Ireland, which holds the EU Council Presidency, to secure agreement at an Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting on Monday.