(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 11 - Low taxes, high numbers of smokers? Taxes on tobacco products also vary between member countries, which directly influences the price and therefore consumption.
    For example, in Ireland and the United Kingdom - an EU member until 2020 - taxes are very high, which has contributed to a significant reduction in the smoking rate, while in other countries, such as Poland, taxes are lower and consumption remains high.
    Bulgaria ranks among the top ten countries globally in terms of smoking and has the cheapest price of cigarettes in the EU, said Dimitar Sabev from the Economic Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences when presenting a recent study carried out in cooperation with the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies on behalf of the Smoke-Free Life Coalition Bulgaria.
    The study supervisor further said that the price of cigarettes should be taken into account. "Our simulations have shown that smoking in Bulgaria as a percentage of the population will continue to increase if the current model of cigarette taxation is maintained," the expert noted.
    According to Pavel Antonov of BlueLink, a civil action network, and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Smoke-Free Life Coalition Bulgaria association, the caretaker finance minister "included raising excise duties in the plan he proposed".
    Slovenia is already following many of the EU recommendations on reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols, said Health Minister Valentina Prevolnik Rupel. Stricter rules will come into force next year such as a ban on flavoured e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products as well as the closure of smoking rooms in enclosed public and workplaces by the end of 2025.
    The National Institute of Public Health estimates that a substantial increase in the price of tobacco and related products would also contribute to reducing smoking, as the financial reason is the most important factor in the decision to quit, alongside health concerns.
    In Croatia, a new law is in the process of being passed that adds heated tobacco products to the existing ban on smoking in closed spaces. The new law also bans smoking outdoors within 20 metres of the entrance to a health or educational institution.
    So far, there are no plans to extend the smoking ban to other open public spaces. A ban on smoking on cafe terraces would likely face great resistance, both from restaurateurs and their guests. Going for a coffee is one of the most cherished social customs which for many Croatians is unthinkable without a cigarette. Despite various anti-smoking campaigns and increased taxes on tobacco products, smoking remains a popular habit among the Croatian population.
    In Romania, where an average of 34% of the population smokes, smoking is forbidden in all enclosed public spaces, public transport and playgrounds. By law, smoking of any kind by students in educational institutions is prohibited as well as selling smoking products to individuals under the age of 18.
    According to the 'Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) 2022' study, 40% of high school students in Romania have smoked at least one cigarette in their lifetime.
    Outside of the EU Bosnia and Herzegovina: Starting from December 13, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina - one of BiH's two entities - is implementing strict bans on smoking in enclosed public spaces. From January 2025, cigarette and tobacco prices will rise due to increased excise taxes, as part of a strategy to reduce tobacco consumption through financial pressure. In contrast, in the Republika Srpska entity smoking is permitted in most venues, although regulatory changes are occasionally discussed.
    Albania increased the excise duty on tobacco in January 2023. In a bid to further improve health protection from tobacco products, the Albanian Commission for European Affairs in summer proposed changes to an existing anti-tobacco law. It aims to toughen the penalties for those who sell or offer tobacco to those under the age of 18 as well as prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes, shishas, ;;hookahs and other products to this group.
    This article is published twice a week. The content is based on news by agencies participating in the enr, in this case AFP, Agerpres, ANSA, APA, ATA, BTA, dpa, EFE, FENA, HINA, STA, and TT. (ANSA).