Philip Morris International (PMI) has published the second edition of its Economic Footprint Study in the European Union, prepared by EY-Parthenon.
The study, covering the period 2021-2025, highlights the scale of PMI’s contribution to the European Union economy, as well as the capabilities developed through its transformation. The company’s economic footprint extends far beyond its direct operations, supporting suppliers, manufacturers, researchers, retailers, employees and local communities across Europe, the accompanying announcement said.
Its findings also show that PMI’s ongoing investment, innovation and industrial presence help strengthen Europe’s competitiveness while creating long-term value for its economies and societies.
Five key findings from the EU Economic Footprint Study for 2021-2025:
- Nearly €343bn in total contribution to the EU economy over 2021-2025.
- €22.3bn in spending on European suppliers and €27.4bn in investment in PMI’s European operations, strengthening production capacity and supply-chain resilience.
- €39.5bn in exports, reinforcing Europe’s position as a manufacturing and export hub.
- About 164,000 jobs supported in 2025, including nearly 22,500 direct jobs, as well as jobs at suppliers and in the wider economy.
- €422m invested in research and development (R&D) across Europe, in addition to about €2.2bn allocated to R&D activities in Switzerland, strengthening scientific and innovation capabilities for the future.
Particular attention is also given to Greece, with Papastratos presented as a prominent example of the transformation of Philip Morris International’s European manufacturing base. Since 2017, the company has invested more than €700m, turning its factory in Aspropyrgos into a production site exclusively for smoke-free products.
Greece is also emerging as a major export hub, with about 87% of Papastratos’ production destined for overseas markets. The company’s contribution to the Greek economy is also reflected in its support for the domestic supply chain, with purchases of Greek tobacco worth €57m over 2021-2025.
Investment in its workforce is also an integral part of Papastratos’ transformation. The company is steadily increasing employment and investing in the development of its employees’ skills, helping to make it one of Greece’s most recognised employers.
Marco Hannapel, President Europe at Philip Morris International, said: «Europe is going through a period of profound change, creating opportunities to reassess the landscape, adapt and choose the future we want to build.
This study offers new evidence of the contribution our business continues to make across the European Union. Behind the billions of euros in economic value are people: farmers, production workers, scientists, entrepreneurs, retailers and employees whose work strengthens the foundations of the European economy every day.
Our company’s transformation is also reflected in these results. In the fourth quarter of 2025, more than half of our net revenues in Europe came from smoke-free products: in Europe, a future without cigarettes is already here.
The challenge now is to turn our strengths into lasting competitiveness. This requires realism, constructive dialogue between policymakers and industry, and a regulatory framework that gives businesses the confidence they need to invest, innovate and grow their operations.
We have already chosen which side of history we want to represent. We choose to be part of the solutions that will shape the New Europe and help build a future with solid foundations and staying power».