Fire Side Chat - Transatlantic Policy Issues Facing Cigars: US and the EU

By wdo, 8 June, 2026

Joshua Habursky - Chief Executive Officer Premium Cigar Association (PCA)

Paul Varakas - Director General European Cigar Manufacturers Association (ECMA)

The handmade cigar industry is facing growing regulatory pressure on both sides of the Atlantic. From taxation and packaging requirements to market access and evolving consumer regulations, the policy landscape continues to reshape the future of cigars worldwide.

In this exclusive fire side chat, Joshua Habursky, CEO of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), and Paul Varkas, Director General of the European Cigar Manufacturers Association (ECMA), will discuss the key political and regulatory developments impacting the US and European markets. The conversation will explore common challenges, differing regulatory approaches, and the importance of international dialogue in protecting the future of the handmade cigar sector.

Datum
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Sprecher

Joshua Habursky

By wdo, 30 July, 2024

Joshua Habursky is Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association, and Founder and Chairman of the Grassroots Professional Network. An Adjunct Professor at The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management, he is recognised as one of the leading voices in government affairs and advocacy communications. Joshua’s commentary and analysis have been featured in publications including The Hill, Bloomberg, Huffington Post, Morning Consult, and Campaigns & Elections.

Joshua Habursky_PCA
Executive Director Premium Cigar Association
Beschreibung_en

Joshua Habursky is Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association, and Founder and Chairman of the Grassroots Professional Network. An Adjunct Professor at The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management, he is recognised as one of the leading voices in government affairs and advocacy communications. Joshua’s commentary and analysis have been featured in publications including The Hill, Bloomberg, Huffington Post, Morning Consult, and Campaigns & Elections.

Paul Varakas

By wdo, 8 June, 2026

Paul Varakas is an experienced public affairs professional and actually Director General at ECMA, the European Cigar Manufacturers Association representing cigar manufacturers in Europe.

Before joining ECMA in2019, he worked as an Account Director at Red Flag leading pan-European communications, regulatory and government affairs campaigns for global and European clients. He also has experience in the European Hunting Federation and the Council of the European Union. Paul holds three degrees in Law (French, Belgian and Common Law) and a master in European studies. Paul has also been the President of the Society of European Affairs Professionals, the recognised organisation of all EU public affairs professionals.

Paul Varakas_ECMA
Director General at ECMA
Beschreibung_en

Paul Varakas is an experienced public affairs professional and actually Director General at ECMA, the European Cigar Manufacturers Association representing cigar manufacturers in Europe.

Before joining ECMA in2019, he worked as an Account Director at Red Flag leading pan-European communications, regulatory and government affairs campaigns for global and European clients. He also has experience in the European Hunting Federation and the Council of the European Union. Paul holds three degrees in Law (French, Belgian and Common Law) and a master in European studies. Paul has also been the President of the Society of European Affairs Professionals, the recognised organisation of all EU public affairs professionals.

Session
London | Conference Area