Excise duty levels in six EU countries already exceed the new minimum levels, and these countries already meet the requirements. However, 21 EU countries will have to increase their taxes to comply with the new requirements. The European Commission emphasizes that it is difficult to predict the effect on actual cigarette prices, as it depends on Member State policies, brand strategies, and the general market situation. In practice, a tax increase would lead to an increase of 1 to 2 euros in the price of a pack of cigarettes, the Commission emphasizes. Bulgaria is clearly among the countries where the price increase will be the most significant.