A Danish think tank that calls itself an independent voice in the health debate is financed by the tobacco industry, DR reported on September 14, 2026, drawing accusations that it misrepresents its independence.
Tænketanken Røgfri presents itself on its website as an independent voice in the Danish health debate. According to DR, the group is paid for by Nikotinbranchen, the trade body for the largest nicotine and tobacco producers in Denmark.
Nikotinbranchen consists of British American Tobacco Denmark, Philip Morris International Denmark and Japan Tobacco International Denmark. The think tank’s website states that it is financed by Nikotinbranchen, that it is independent, and that there is arm’s length between the two.
The think tank campaigns for a ban on tobacco sales while calling for looser rules on other nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches. Its argument is harm reduction, meaning that adults among Denmark’s 700,000 smokers should replace cigarettes with less harmful alternatives.
The group has been represented at Folkemødet and has appeared before the Folketing’s Health Committee. Its chairman is Philip Tønnesen, a specialist in pulmonary medicine, described on the website as a leading Danish expert on tobacco dependence and smoking cessation.
Chairman defends independence
Tønnesen told DR’s radio program P1 Morgen that the think tank is independent of its sponsors and relies on professional expertise. He acknowledged that the organization is financially dependent on Nikotinbranchen, but said his messages are the same as 20 years ago.
Asked by DR what matters most to the tobacco industry, money or good intentions, he replied that the industry should be asked directly. He added that he is not answerable for what the tobacco industry does, only for what Tænketanken Røgfri does.
Mette Lolk Hanak, prevention director at Kræftens Bekæmpelse, told P1 Morgen that the claim of independence rings very hollow. She said commercial actors are behind the think tank and have one interest, which is gaining users and keeping them dependent.
Hanak also said the industry has moved from selling one product to offering a range of addictive and harmful products that keep young people in dependence.
Christopher Arzrouni, a board member of Nikotinbranchen and head of external affairs at Philip Morris, told P1 Morgen that knowledge about snus and e-cigarettes being less harmful than cigarettes is suppressed in Denmark. He said there is complete transparency about the ties between Nikotinbranchen and the think tank.
Arzrouni called the criticism from Kræftens Bekæmpelse pure hypocrisy, saying the funding has been open all along. In his view, the debate is being diverted toward formalities instead of the substance.
Tønnesen said the think tank was not his own idea. He received a call in the spring of 2025 from the lobbying agency Grace, which suggested that he set it up. Grace confirmed to DR that it proposed the think tank and received payment from Nikotinbranchen. Partner Sune Væsel wrote to DR that Grace also assists Nikotinbranchen in clarifying the difference between nicotine and smoking.
