Written question – Plastic cigarette filters – Inadequate implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/904 and lack of progress regarding prevention, alternatives and education – E-002262/2025

Question for written answer  E-002262/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Manuela Ripa (PPE)

Cigarette filters containing plastic are among the most common single-use plastic waste in the environment. They contain microplastics and toxic substances affecting soil, water and marine ecosystems. Although Directive (EU) 2019/904 encompasses plastic tobacco filters and provides for measures including extended producer responsibility and public awareness campaigns, its implementation across Member States remains uneven. The noticeable littering of public spaces by cigarette butts has hardly been reduced, while cities and municipalities continue to bear high disposal costs.

• 1.Is the Commission aware that, in many Member States, the implementation of the SUP Directive in relation to cigarette filters has thus far failed to deliver meaningful improvements in collection, clean-up efforts, or consumer behaviour?
• 2.Is the Commission considering introducing an EU-wide ban on the placing on the market of plastic cigarette filters and establishing binding requirements for the use of natural and biodegradable alternatives in order to permanently reduce pollution, microplastics and disposal costs?
• 3.What is the Commission’s assessment of the impact of the awareness-raising measures provided for in Article 10 of the Directive with regard to reducing inappropriate disposal and to changing consumer behaviour?

Submitted: 4.6.2025