EU: Last-Minute Compromise On Directive?

On the eve of the Health Council meeting in Brussels, the Dutch government has said that “in principle” it will change its position in order to back the Commission proposals to ban tobacco. Greece, Germany and Denmark continue to oppose a full ban, and the UK’s insistence on an exemption for Formula One events has introduced confusion into the calculations. With the exception of these MS and Austria – expected to abstain – all other EU members support the introduction of a complete ban. Els Borst, the Dutch health minister, has also said that the UK government’s decision to exclude Formula One is “entirely illogical”. Hans Dijkstal, interior minister and deputy premier, said: “You do not bring in a ban and immediately attach exceptions to it.” The UK House of Commons select committee on European legislation also attacked the decision, saying that “Formula One should be placed under the same pressure as other sports to seek alternative sponsorship”.