Susanna Riva During the current legislative session, which began in the summer of 2024, the number of meetings between MEPs and tobacco industry representatives has increased from around a hundred to over four hundred. The data comes from the transparency register managed by the Smoke Free Partnership , a coalition of NGOs that monitors lobbying in Brussels.
This jump, representing a fourfold increase compared to the 2019-2024 period, comes at a time when the European Union is about to review its regulations on pricing, advertising, and the definition of nicotine products.
A revision that, according to observers, pays particular attention to the relationship between legislators and industry players.
Who has the most meetings? The predominant European right
Analyzing the transparency sheets, it emerges that approximately 75% of the meetings were organized by members of right-wing political groups: the European People's Party , the European Conservatives and Reformists , the Patriots for Europe group and the Brothers of Italy formation.
Auke Zijlstra (Patriots) leads the ranking with 14 appointments, followed by Pietro Fiocchi (Conservatives) with 9, and several EPP members such as Michalis Hadjipantela, Elena Nevado del Campo and Jessica Polfjärd, each with 8 appointments.
The reasons given by these parliamentarians vary. Zijlstra, for example, argues that "taking an interest in the topic is an integral part of one's job" and calls on NGOs to demand more forums for discussion, arguing that the sector represents a large number of consumers.
Statements compared: Greens against industry
Among the most vocal opponents is Tilly Metz , a Green MEP, who called it "scandalous and shocking" that there are more meetings with tobacco companies than with anti-tobacco associations. Metz cited the WHO Framework Convention , which requires meetings only when strictly necessary for regulation.
On the other hand, Simon Trussler, tax director at British American Tobacco , stated that the company has the right to present "legitimate experiences and arguments" like any other European company. Similarly, Philip Morris International (PMI) reiterated its commitment to a "profound transformation towards a tobacco-free future," emphasizing its presence in the e-cigarette and heated nicotine product markets.
Interpretation of WHO regulations and ruling of the EU Court
The industry cites a 2022 ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union , which indicates that the Framework Convention does not prohibit companies' participation in tobacco control dialogue, but limits their influence on policies. In response, Kristina Mauer-Stender, WHO's European tobacco control adviser, pointed out that the treaty also covers the prevention of nicotine addiction , not just traditional tobacco use.
The numbers speak for themselves: SMEs, BAT, and Italy's role
The register shows that PMI held 178 meetings with MEPs, by far the highest among manufacturers, followed by British American Tobacco with 60 meetings. The data also reveals a strong Italian presence: more than one in five meetings was held with an Italian MEP, reflecting the importance of tobacco cultivation in Italy and the presence of companies like Manifatture Sigaro Toscano, which spoke almost exclusively with Italian representatives.
These numbers coincide with key moments in European legislation, particularly the draft directive on minimum taxation of nicotine and tobacco products. Erin Roman, director of the Smoke Free Partnership, noted that "although the meetings don't demonstrate direct influence, they highlight the open doors for industry to shape the legislative debate."
Meanwhile, the European Parliament approved a report on the strategy against cardiovascular diseases. While it included recommendations on combating tobacco, it was amended by some EPP members who proposed softer wording on nicotine regulation, raising further questions about the coherence of health policies.
Conclusions on transparency and future prospects
The results of the meetings show a significant increase in interaction between legislators and the tobacco industry, especially among right-wing groups. Criticism from the Greens and NGOs highlights the perceived gap between commercial interests and public health objectives . With the upcoming revision of the tax and advertising directives, the debate over transparency and the limits of meetings will continue to occupy the center of European politics.