Open letter on tobacco taxation: signatories linked to the nicotine lobby

In early September, the online media EU Reporter published a open letter addressed to the European Commission, signed by 83 international doctors and researchers. Presented as an independent scientific initiative, this platform advocates for reduced or even no taxation for nicotine products such as vaping products and nicotine pouches. However, analysis of the signatories reveals numerous links with the tobacco and nicotine industry, confirming the direct involvement of this lobby in challenging European tax policies.

An offensive against European taxation of nicotine products

The letter, published on September 1, 2025, is addressed to the President of the European Commission and the Commissioners responsible for Health and Taxation. The 83 signatories assert that the tax alignment envisaged by Brussels for e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches risks slowing smokers' transition to these alternatives. They invoke the "harm reduction" argument, calling for lower taxation than that of combustible tobacco.

This speech comes as part of the revision of two major directives: the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and the Excise Duty Directive (EDD). These reforms aim to harmonize rules within the Union and avoid fiscal disparities between Member States. The introduction of the principle of taxing these nicotine products also aims to reduce their accessibility in countries where they are authorized. Behind the public health argument put forward by the authors, the letter reflects a strategy aimed at preserving a profit margin for manufacturers of addictive products that fuel nicotine addiction.

Signatories with multiple links to the industry

Analysis of the signatories shows that several figures have documented relationships with the tobacco or nicotine industry. Swedish researcher Karl Fagerström, founder of Niconovum—a company acquired by Reynolds American and then integrated into British American Tobacco—also worked as a consultant for Philip Morris International and Swedish Match. In Austria, Bernhard-Michael Mayer reported receiving compensation from the pharmaceutical, vaping, and tobacco industries. Australian Colin Mendelsohn is a co-founder of the association. Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association (ATHRA), initially funded by electronic cigarette companies and supported by structures linked to the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW – now the Global Action to End Smoking), an organization funded by Philip Morris International. In the United States, Brad Rodu holds a research chair established with direct funding from US Smokeless Tobacco and Swedish Match, while Austrian pulmonologist Wolfgang Popp co-authored a publication funded by Philip Morris International.

Beyond these proven links, many signatories are affiliated with organizations promoting "harm reduction" such as the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco – Committee for Smoking and Health on Reducing Exposure (SCOHRE), the Platform for the Reduction of Harm for Tobacco (PRDT, Spain), or the Italian Observatory on the Reduction of Harm from Smoke (MOHRE). Presented as independent platforms, these structures act in practice as advocacy relays in favor of the industry's products. They organize conferences, publish op-eds, and disseminate arguments that new-generation products represent a public health solution. Their role contributes to blurring the line between scientific expertise and corporate communication, providing an institutional framework for positions that directly serve the interests of manufacturers.

A media relay to influence European revisions

The choice to publish the letter in EU Reporter is not insignificant. This online media, presenting itself as a European information platform, has already been identified as a lobbying tool financed by private actors[1]By relaying the platform without context or counter-argument, it offers the signatories increased visibility with European institutions and gives their approach an appearance of scientific and journalistic legitimacy.

This communication campaign comes at a key moment for health policies in Europe. Discussions surrounding the revision of the TPD and the TED will determine the future of taxation and regulation of new nicotine products. For the industry, which is seeking to maintain the appeal of its ranges of heated tobacco, nicotine pouches, and e-cigarettes, this is a major strategic issue. By orchestrating an open letter signed by experts and relayed in a media outlet directly targeting European decision-makers, the nicotine lobby is seeking to influence the regulatory framework before the negotiations are concluded.

This strategy, which combines experts with documented ties to the industry and advocacy structures presenting themselves as independent, is not new and has already been highlighted several times in the past. It illustrates the tobacco and nicotine industry's desire to reposition itself as a credible interlocutor, or even a public health actor. In doing so, these opaque practices particularly run counter to provisions aimed at protecting public policies from tobacco industry interference.

©Generation Without Tobacco

AE

[1] EU Reporter lets nicotine lobby have their say, Tabaknee, published September 18, 2025, consulted the same day