Cigarette packet prices in Denmark could rise to at least 50 kroner if other EU countries hike their prices as well

If the Liberal-Conservative government has its way the price for a packet of cigarettes will be at least 50 kroner, if not higher.

Although it ignored the same recommendation to increase cigarette prices from the Prevention Commission earlier this year, the government is now prepared to follow the commission’s advice with a considerable price hike.

Jakob Axel Nielsen, the health minister, travels to Luxembourg today to meet with other European Union countries’ health representatives to discuss the issue. He will try and convince those countries to raise their cigarette prices prior to raising the cost at home in Denmark.

‘The price could go even higher than 50 kroner a pack,’ Nielsen told Metroxpress newspaper. ‘I’m going to press it up as much as possible. It’s extremely important for our citizens’ health.’

But Nielsen said the government would only raise cigarette prices if the other EU countries do so, because otherwise Danes would simply travel to Germany or Poland to take advantage of cheaper prices.

Cigarettes are a very sensitive commodity when talking about cross-border trade,’ said Nielsen. ‘That’s why it’s important to have the rest of the EU with us.’

Mette Weir, chairman of the Prevention Commission, said it was ‘typical’ for politicians to waiver on commission conclusions when they are first presented. But she is glad the recommendation is now being taken up by the government.

Nielsen said he could not give a precise date for when possible price changes would take effect, adding that getting the debate going in the EU was the important thing at the moment.