Swedish Finance Minister Elisabeth Svantesson says it is unacceptable to raise tobacco taxes at EU level, calling for the revenue to be returned to Sweden.

Elisabeth Svantesson, Sweden's finance minister, has criticized the European Commission's proposal to increase excise duties on tobacco, saying the revenue should stay in Sweden, not go to the EU budget. An impact assessment suggests a significant increase in excise duties, which could reduce the number of smokers, but the tobacco industry disputes the effectiveness of such measures. Sweden, taking a firm stance, could block any review of tax legislation at EU level.