wiiw Health Economics and Policy Analysis (HEPA)
wiiw HEPA conducts economics research in the field of health taxes and transforms insights into actionable policies for maximising fiscal and health gains. Our goal is to support healthier, fairer systems across Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe by combining rigorous analysis with a strong policy focus.
Data
"Tobacco taxation is the single most effective measure for reducing tobacco consumption and its associated health burden worldwide.” (World Health Organization)
Highlights
Two new policy notes published
Romania’s excise tax policy and Marlboro indices
13 October 2025
A modelling study demonstrates the missed opportunity to adopt pro-health tobacco tax policy in Romania, while our newly developed Marlboro indices show higher cigarette affordability in the South and East of Europe.
World Conference on Tobacco Control 2025
23 June 2025
Our researchers attended the 2025 World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, where over 1,000 delegates from around the globe shared their latest insights into the role of tobacco taxes and non-price policies in reducing smoking.
Biannual workshop of Tobacco Taxation network
Introduces new focus areas
04 May 2025
Since its launch in 2024, the network has produced a dozen publications across seven countries in Central and Eastern Europe in addition to helping inform two legislative changes last year. Now it is focusing on alternative tobacco products and the impact of smoking on household budgets. Read more