Brussels - The SFP is concerned that the resignation of the Health Commissioner John Dalli threatens to further delay the review of the Tobacco Products Directive, a process already slowed down following intense lobbying by the tobacco industry and its allies.

Read more about the resignation of the Health Commissioner John Dalli.

Florence Berteletti Kemp, Director of SFP, said: “This is an unfortunate event, given the importance of the portfolio. A few months ago, we exposed the tobacco industry’s block, amend and delay tactics on the 2001 Tobacco Products Directive and warned that these tactics are being deployed again in this review process. At the time, we emphasized that policy-makers need to be aware of how the tobacco industry tries to influence the legislation – and when it cannot, to block or delay the process.

Today we are witnessing a major potential setback in the TPD review and we call on the Commission, European Parliament and on Member States not to let themselves be detracted from the goal of reviewing legislation to improve public health in Europe. The process is well under way on the legislative proposal and there is no reason why this unfortunate event should add any further delay. We strongly urge Vice President Maros Sefcovic to ensure that the TPD review proposal is released before the end of the year as was promised by the Commission.”

SFP applauds the statement of Matthias Groote, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee for the Environment, Public Health and food Safety, who focused on the public interest. Mr Groote stated:

"The long wait for Commission proposals on tobacco products is becoming a never-ending story. I urge Mr Sefcovic to take the Commission's foot off the brakes and publish the tobacco proposals before the end of this year.

"This important legislation has been postponed time and time again. The European Parliament and European public will not tolerate further delays."

For further information, see “Block, amend, delay: Report on Tobacco industry's efforts to influence the European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive” on the SFP website at www.smokefreepartnership.eu

For media inquiries please contact Florence Berteletti Kemp, SFP Director, +32.2.238.53.63, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.