Sweden against Finland in the snuff war in the EU

The EU Commission's basic proposal from last year would mean a minimum level for the tax on nicotine pouches - the so-called white snus - of the equivalent of approximately SEK 1,500 per kilo.

No, no, no, said Sweden and demanded an unchanged Swedish situation, with a tax level of around 200 kroner per kilo.

Such a compromise offer has now been put forward, causing Sweden to drop its resistance - albeit with a remark that snus means as much to Sweden as wine does to the French, Italians and Spaniards.

- I cannot underline enough how important this is for the Swedes - and therefore also for the Riksdag, says State Secretary Johanna Lybeck Lilja at a meeting of finance ministers in Brussels on Monday.

However, Finland refuses to accept the compromise and comes down hard on Sweden inside the meeting.

- We are particularly concerned about the health of young people. The minimum level of nicotine pouches has been completely watered down, says Finance Minister Riikka Purra from Sannfinländarna.

- Nicotine bags that are bought at a low price in the neighboring country (Sweden) are increasingly coming in via illegal distribution channels that are particularly aimed at young people, says the minister in Brussels.