Germany's health chief pushes €20 cigarette packs to deter youth smoking

A leading health official has proposed a sharp rise in tobacco and alcohol prices to deter young people from using them. Andreas Gassen, chairman of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, suggested raising cigarette pack prices to €20. His call comes as Germany plans a gradual tax increase on tobacco by 2030. Gassen argued that higher prices would make cigarettes and alcohol less affordable for young consumers. His proposal aligns with earlier suggestions from Hendrik Streeck, the Federal Drug Commissioner, who has long supported higher tobacco taxes as a public health tool.

The Professional Association of Paediatricians (BVKJ) has also pushed for price hikes. Board member Jakob Maske advocated doubling cigarette prices to reduce youth smoking. Current data shows that 8 to 9 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds in Germany smoke.

Under existing plans, the German government will gradually increase tobacco taxes. By 2030, the average pack of cigarettes will cost around €11.40. The proposed measures aim to curb smoking and excessive drinking among young people. Officials believe higher prices will reduce affordability and discourage early adoption of harmful habits. The government’s current tax plan will see prices rise, but not as sharply as some experts recommend.