The PNLT already achieved a number of health protection measures, such as a ban on smoking and vaping around children and sports centres where there are under 16s.

“Another measure which has already proven itself in a number of countries (and figures in the PNLT) is the significant and regular increase of tobacco product prices,” health minister Paulette Lenert (LSAP) wrote responding to a parliamentary question on 22 September.

The measure was outlined in the current PNLT, expected to expire at the end of 2020, but which is likely to be extended because of delays in the new programme caused by the pandemic. Other measures in the document that have yet to be put in place include the introduction of neutral packaging for tobacco products, the introduction of anti-smoking programmes in school and university curriculums, and examining ways to make tobacco products less visible. “Their implantation will be subject to supplementary concertations,” the minister wrote.

According to the Luxembourg Cancer Foundation, 21% of the Luxembourg population smoked in 2018, of which 77% wanted to quit. Around 1,000 smokers die each year as do 80 passive smokers.  

Work on the measure continue and Lenert did not provide a timeline on price hikes.