Watchdogs criticize EU transparency gaps in tobacco lobbying

Weak EU transparency rules allow tobacco companies to quietly influence Brussels policymaking, a new investigation reveals. The investigation found undisclosed meetings between European institutions and tobacco industry representatives, potentially violating transparency regulations. This follows a previous probe by the European Ombudsman highlighting similar shortcomings. The tobacco industry, including Philip Morris International, is actively lobbying on various EU policies, particularly concerning novel nicotine products, despite international treaty obligations to protect public health policymaking from industry interference.