The Council examined a draft directive aimed at updating EU rules on the structure and rates of excise duties on tobacco products.
The draft directive is intended to modernise and simplify the existing rules, whilst making them more transparent. In particular, it is aimed at bringing minimum excise duties for fine-cut tobacco gradually closer to those for cigarettes.
The text is also aimed at ensuring a higher level of public health protection by raising minimum rates for tobacco products.
The Council requested the Permanent Representative Committee to examine further the draft directive, on the basis of progress made by ministers, so as to enable it to reach an agreement at one of its forthcoming session.