Following the plenary vote on the Commission proposal as amended in October 2013, the rapporteur sought a mandate to start negotiations with the Council. This request was approved by a vast majority and the report was referred back to the environment committee. A series of informal trilogues were held with a view to agreeing a compromise text. Negotiations were concluded successfully and the outcome is close to Parliament’s position voted in October. If Parliament adopts the compromise, this dossier can be concluded in first reading.
The main aim of the directive is to deter young people from taking up smoking. Misleading flavours and packages have been banned and rules on E-cigarettes have been established. EU member states have the freedom to go further on packaging if they choose to.