Jordan Bardella defies his own EU group over tobacco tax

Jordan Bardella’s National Rally is set to vote against a tobacco tax report backed by its own Patriots for Europe group on Wednesday, in a move that could inadvertently strengthen Brussels’ push for higher taxes on vaping products.

The French far-right delegation’s opposition threatens the narrow majority needed for the European Parliament to adopt its position on the Tobacco Excise Directive (TED), potentially handing an advantage to supporters of stricter EU-wide taxation.

“We will vote against this mechanism because it would result in additional taxation for France,” Bardella said at a press conference in Strasbourg, confirming a previous Euractiv report.

The report, drafted by Czech Patriots for Europe MEP Tomáš Kubín rejects the European Commission’s initial proposals for higher taxation on newer tobacco and nicotine products, including vaping products.

Instead, the report calls for higher taxes on traditional cigarettes while favouring lower rates for e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches.

The European People’s Party (EPP), the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and most of Patriots for Europe are expected to back the text. The Socialists, liberals, Greens and the Left oppose it, supporting the Commission’s plans to raise taxes on both traditional and newer nicotine products.

Without National Rally’s 30 MEPs, the vote is expected to be tight.

While non-binding, Parliament’s opinion could shape negotiations among EU governments during Ireland’s upcoming Council presidency.

“I understand that there may be differing views within the group, as each country and each economy has different interests at stake,” Bardella said, asked by Euractiv about his party’s position.

In remarks apparently aimed at a domestic audience ahead of next year’s presidential election in France, Bardella said his party “stands on the side of people’s purchasing power”.

Kubín did not respond to a request for comment.

By withholding National Rally’s support, Bardella risks preventing the Parliament from adopting an official position on the file. That, in turn, could strengthen the Commission’s hand in pushing for higher tobacco taxes – an outcome that would run counter to his campaign against further EU-led taxation.

France has some of the highest tobacco taxes in Europe. However, taxation on vaping products, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, remains low. Illicit tobacco trade is also the highest in Europe, tobacco industry reports have found.

The EU is seeking to increase taxes on newer products, arguing that they are no less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Brussels is also looking to raise additional revenue to help finance the bloc’s next long-term budget.

Several member states, however, oppose the plans, arguing that newer products should be taxed at lower rates and can serve as an effective alternative for smokers seeking to quit.

(bms, cs)