European Parliament adopted new rules concerning tobacco products. Now the warning signs must dominate the front and back of all packaging (65%).  There will also be a ban on flavoured, such as menthol, fruit and vanilla cigarettes. Thus European Union plans to cut the number of smokers by 2.4 million, BBC reports.

The "lipstick-style" packs aimed at women are banned. All packs must have at least 20 cigarettes to leave room for health warnings. Roll-your-own tobacco packs must have similar picture warnings. There is also a ban on promotional elements, such saying "this product is free of additives" or is less harmful than other brands. A maximum nicotine-concentration level for e-cigarettes is being estimated.  

Ministers are expected to endorse the rules in March, to come into force in May 2014. Member states will have two years to introduce the legislation. With the help of this innovations experts plan to reduce tobacco consumption levels by 2% over the next five years. It is possible, that EU will approve standard package of cigarettes without indicating the brand and manufacturer.