Tag Archive for: Malta

Malta Blocks EU Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Deal Despite 26-State Support

European Union finance ministers failed to finalize a revised tobacco excise directive on November 9, 2026, after Malta blocked the agreement in Brussels. While 26 member states supported the compromise, EU fiscal harmonization rules require unanimous approval, halting the first overhaul of EU tobacco taxation since 2011.

The Council of the European Union confirmed that ministers reached no final agreement. As a result, the proposed tax revisions cannot take effect in any member country.

Why a Single Nation Can Halt EU Tax Legislation

Under EU law, excise duty harmonization requires unanimous approval from all member governments. Unlike standard legislative files where qualified majority voting applies, a coalition of 26 states cannot override a single member’s veto.

According to reports from news agency EFE, Malta withheld its approval during the ministerial meeting. Irish Finance Minister Simon Harris, representing the Council presidency, stated that officials intend to resume discussions with Malta in the coming weeks to find common ground.

Proposed Rates for Cigarettes and Novel Nicotine Products

The draft compromise aimed to narrow tax disparities across member states and integrate modern nicotine alternatives into the EU tax net. The directive covers three fast-growing categories: e-cigarette liquids, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches.

For traditional combustible cigarettes, the compromise proposed more than doubling the minimum EU excise baseline.

Proposal StageMinimum Excise per 1,000 CigarettesStatus
Current EU Framework (2011)€90In effect
European Commission Draft€215Lowered during talks
Council Compromise Text€200Blocked by Malta

The €200 figure represents a minimum tax floor, not a direct consumer price increase of €110. Member states already apply divergent tax structures and higher national rates.

Taxing oral nicotine pouches proved especially contentious during negotiations, as member states hold differing domestic regulations and public health approaches toward smoke-free alternatives.

Immediate Domestic Impact and Next Steps

The deadlock means national tax schedules remain unaffected in domestic markets such as France. Existing national laws will continue to dictate tobacco and vape retail pricing under the current 2011 EU framework.

Until European negotiators resolve Malta’s objections, the proposed minimum excise duties remain non-binding draft targets.

Malta: 26% of 15-16 Year Olds Have Tried Vaping – Report

A new report has found that approximately one in four (26%) teenagers aged 15 to 16 in Malta and Gozo have tried e-cigarettes. The data, from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD), also revealed that 16% of these youths have smoked traditional cigarettes. These findings were discussed at a conference organized by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS).

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Malta’s New €0.13/ml Vape Tax: What Vapers Need to Know in 2025

Significant changes to vaping regulations took effect in Malta starting January 1st, 2025. The government has implemented a new excise duty on all vape liquids and introduced stricter licensing requirements for importers. These changes impact everyone in the Maltese vaping community, from suppliers to end consumers. Here’s a breakdown of what these new rules entail and how they might affect you.

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