EU anger as Malta vetoes €13bn EU‑wide tobacco tax overhaul

European nations could not finalize an EU-wide tobacco tax law due to Malta's refusal to endorse the agreement supported by 26 other member states. Irish finance minister Simon Harris noted the significant support for the deal, but Malta's finance minister Clyde Caruana expressed ongoing concerns, particularly regarding the proposed tax rate adjustments linked to inflation and cost of living differences. Caruana argued that the plans lacked flexibility for national circumstances and could adversely affect Malta. Estonia and Finland also had reservations but ultimately accepted a compromise that freezes EU minimum rates until the next review, which is yet to be scheduled.