A critical moment for tobacco production in Bulgaria
Over 8,300 Bulgarian tobacco producers have sent a powerful video message to the European Commission. The reason is the public consultation on the upcoming large-scale revision of the European Tobacco Products Directive.
What is decided on paper in Brussels is a matter of survival in the tobacco-producing regions of Bulgaria and the European Union.
Main concerns of the sector
- Economic damage: Risk of a serious blow to local economies in rural areas.
- Contraband: Fears that unreasonable regulations will encourage the black market.
- Lack of being heard: The chairman of the association, Tsvetan Filev, emphasizes that the voice of the farmers is often missing from the debates in Brussels.
What lies ahead?
The European Commission is preparing the largest revision of legislation in the sector in a decade, which will affect both traditional products and smoke-free alternatives. The results will be incorporated into legislative proposals in 2026.
The public consultation remains open until June 15, with producers from all over Europe – including Italy, Greece, and Spain – uniting around the demand for a thorough impact assessment on employment.