EU Tobacco Tax Bill on Track for June Deadline Despite Disputes

EU negotiators remain optimistic on striking a deal that would overhaul the bloc’s tobacco excise rules by June, even as countries remain divided over how much to tax cigarettes and tobacco-related products.

Countries have yet to bridge differences over whether to include a provision in the bill that would automatically raise excise rates in line with inflation; another provision that lowers rates based on the country’s purchasing power; and on the rates themselves, according to people familiar with the matter.

Still, the people familiar with the talks said the negotiators are making constructive progress toward finalizing the ...