EU close to full backing from members on new tobacco tax

​The European ​Union is ‌close to full ​agreement for the minimum taxation of ‌tobacco products, seen as a key new revenue stream, said Irish finance ‌minister Simon Harris on Monday. Harris said ‌26 out of 27 EU member states backed the taxation proposal so ⁠far. ​He ⁠added only Malta was not giving ⁠its support at present. Unanimity among all ​27 EU member states is required ⁠before the EU's tobacco tax scheme ⁠can ​be implemented.

"There is a public health emergency in ⁠the EU when it comes to nicotine ⁠patches, ⁠vaping, tobacco," Harris said at a news conference.