The European Commission has proposed some revisions to the wine policy for producers in the European Union.
A total of seven “key changes” have been floated this week, in response to a range of current circumstances that the commission says are “straining the sector”. The recommendations have been tabled by a ‘High-Level Group’ that was established last year.
The proposals include:
- Empowering EU member states to instigate grubbing-up of vines or ‘green harvesting’ of unripe grapes to prevent surplus production
- Allowing member states to utilise more EU funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Introducing clearer rules and common product denominations for lower-alcohol wine products, and
- Implementing a “more harmonised approach” to wine labelling, to reduce costs and simplify cross-border trade in the bloc
“While the EU wine policy has been highly successful in protecting the qualities and promoting EU wines, ongoing demographic shifts, changing consumption patterns, climate challenges and market uncertainties are straining the sector,” the commission said. “The commission’s proposal introduces targeted measures to help the sector manage production potential, adapt to evolving consumer preferences and unlock new market opportunities.
“These measures will also help maintain the vitality of many rural areas which depend on jobs in the wine industry and preserve the EU wine sector’s social relevance.”
The proposals have been submitted to the European Parliament for approval.
