The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Finland has been and remains an interesting test area for tobacco companies because of the country's long-term experience with tobacco legislation. The basis of EU tobacco policy has developed over a shorter period. This study analyses Finnish and European tobacco policy by identifying similarities and differences in the tobacco industry's tactics to undermine legislative efforts. Tobacco industry strategy is highlighted by examining specific cases such as environmental tobacco smoke, youth campaigns and using allies.

Methods: The material used was compiled from several sources, mainly documents concerning the preparation of national and European legislation, the tobacco industry's internal documents and statements, from mass media information, opinion polls, and advertisements. The focus is on tracing policy development both nationally and regionally.

Results: Tobacco policy is an interplay of activities in which various opportunities open up for influencing it. The tobacco industry has been a key player in delaying smoke-free legislation. Its core strategy has been to use same argumentation and tactics over time. These tactics are based on flexible adaptation which are tailored according to time frame and cultural characteristics.