Report: EC plans to investigate national tobacco concessions
Hungary could face an infringement procedure by the European Commission on suspicion of discrimination in the tobacco market, Elżbieta Bieńkowska commissioner responsible for internal markets, told Hungarian online daily index.hu today.
“There are tobacco monopolies elsewhere in Europe as well, but nowhere is it so conspicuous that only companies can sell tobacco that are in a good relationship with the government,” the commissioner reportedly said.
According to information obtained by Index, the European Commission began a dialogue with Hungary in March, however, officials in Brussels do not understand the reasons given by the government. “We have to carry out a thorough investigation, as this problem is not even mentioned in the answers we received from Hungary,” the commissioner said. She added that “strictly speaking we cannot talk about corruption practices, but it is visible that contracts and economic advantages that were previously possessed by foreign companies were recently transferred to some other companies.”
The Hungarian government introduced national tobacco shop concessions at the beginning of 2013, with the justification that it was protecting youth from being exposed to tobacco products and as a means to decrease tobacco consumption.
Hungary Gasoline Prices 3% Over Regional Avg
Hungary to Address Future of Cohesion Policy During EU Presi...
Cordia’s Marina City Project Begins
Budapest Airport Wins 'Best Airport in Eastern Europe' for 1...
SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL
Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.
