#63 Hansen: Tobacco at the Crossroads: Policy, Politics, and Public Health - PART 1

In this first installment of a two-part conversation, Philipp Hansen, European Affairs Director at Japan Tobacco International, joins CEA Talk to reflect on his career in Brussels, his views on European policymaking, and the shifting role of liberal political forces in Germany and beyond.Drawing from years of experience at the intersection of institutions, industry, and politics, Hansen offers a thoughtful and clear-eyed perspective on what it means to represent corporate interests in today’s regulatory environment. He shares insights on the practical realities of public affairs work, the challenges of navigating political fragmentation, and the evolving dynamics of influence within the EU’s institutional framework.This episode is particularly relevant for those working in political strategy, EU affairs, corporate communications, and for anyone seeking a better understanding of how Brussels operates beneath the surface of formal policymaking.Hosted by Szilárd Szelpál, Host of CEA Talk.Part 2 — exploring tobacco regulation, ESG, and the ethics of advocacy — will follow in the next episode.