„Lithuania has made the commitment to seek finalization of this directive during the EU Presidency or at least to have it prepared for the final voting,“ the minister told journalists on Wednesday.
In his words, these are complicated issues due to lobbyism by the tobacco industry and media attention.
„Some countries grow tobacco and interests of tobacco growers and their influence is very strong, others produce tobacco products,“ Andriukaitis said.
„During the presidency, we'll have to find a common agreement among proposals by different countries and technical amendments, and a common position for the tobacco directive to be adopted,“ the minister said.
The proposal for the revision of the tobacco products directive includes the introduction of visual and textual heath warning covering 75 percent of the surface of packaging on both sides as well information on how to quit smoking.
