August 2026 – Page 429

That is the idea behind the European Commission's proposed overhaul of the Tobacco Taxation Directive (TTD), which aims to raise minimum excise duties on cigarettes by 139 percent. It will also introduce EU-wide minimum taxes on vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. The proposal is still under negotiation because it requires unanimous approval from […]

France promulgates law creating right to assisted dying

August 19, 2026admin

French President Emmanuel Macron has promulgated a law establishing a right to assisted dying for certain patients following years of public and parliamentary debate, local media reported Wednesday. The legislation was published in the Official Journal after the Constitutional Council approved it last week, subject to several reservations, according to French broadcaster BFMTV. Under the […]

French President Emmanuel Macron signs assisted dying legislation into law

August 19, 2026admin

France's President Emmanuel Macron signed assisted dying legislation into law on Wednesday, after it was upheld by the Constitutional Council last week. Macron's office hailed the council's decision on Friday which was seen as one of the major social reforms of his second term. The ruling "completes an exemplary democratic debate," the Élysée Palace said, […]