According to WHO data, NCDs account for nearly 86% of deaths and 77% of the disease burden in Europe. These alarming rates have led the European Union to progressively acknowledge the impact of NCDs on the EU’s economy and the well-being of its citizens. Thus, despite its limited competence in...

This article offers a detailed legal and policy analysis of the most far-reaching and already controversial measures presently envisaged by the reform of the EU Tobacco Products Directive, standardized packaging and visual display bans of tobacco products, under EU law. In line with the WHO...

The EFTA Court’s judgment in Philip Morris vs Norway, delivered on September 12, 2011, is one of the first decisions adopted by an international court upon the legality of an entire new generation of tobacco control measures, such as visual display bans at point of sale, with trade rules. As a...

Stunning animals before slaughter and avoiding unnecessary suffering is mandatory throughout the EU. Although the EU Animal Slaughter Regulation allows for a ‘religious exception’ departing from such a practice, it also expressly enables Member States to adopt “national rules aimed at...

Plain packaging, a new tobacco control tool that is currently being considered by a growing number of countries, mandates the removal of all attractive and promotional aspects of tobacco product packages. As a result, the only authorized feature remaining would be the use of brand name, which...

Plain packaging of tobacco products is a new tobacco control tool which has been considered in recent times by several governments throughout the world. By standardizing the appearance of all cigarette boxes, plain packaging aims to make all packs look unattractive and render health warnings...

At a time in which an increasing number of countries attempt to reduce the attractiveness of the packaging of unhealthy products, such as tobacco and food, the EFTA Court was asked to determine the legality of a set of measures aimed at standardizing the visual imagery, packaging and appeal of...

Due to its emotive nature, the debate about smoking has always been (and still is) a topic that is capable of polarizing opinions, including those of legal scholars. As a result the relevant literature, whether legal or scientific, tends to be inherently biased either against or in favour of...

This article provides the first systematic analysis of the emergence of an embryonic EU lifestyle policy. Despite its limited competence in public health, the European Union has progressively recognized the impact of Non-Communicable Diseases – as prompted by the leading risk factors, such as...

On September 9, 2008, the European Court of Justice dismissed the appeals by two Italian companies – FIAMM Spa and Giorgio Fedon & Figli Spa – seeking compensation for damages suffered as a consequence of the US increased custom duties authorised by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) in...