On Tuesday 10 February, the European Parliament proceeded with the final vote on the Wine legislative Package. While the text remains imperfect and does not meet all the expectations of European Independent Winegrowers, it does represent a step forward, introducing tangible improvements to the existing legislative framework without disrupting the fragile balance of the sector.
Wine Package adopted – Progress for wine SMEs, but structural choices still raise concerns
CEVI would like to thank the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, as well as the services of the European Commission, for having launched the High-Level Group (HLG) on wine. The conclusions of the HLG served as the basis for the development of the Wine Package, with the aim of providing responses to the crisis currently affecting the sector. CEVI also welcomes the role played by the rapporteur, Esther Herranz Garcia, together with the shadow rapporteurs and the Members of the European Parliament sitting on the Agriculture Committee, whose work significantly improved the initial proposal by better reflecting the realities of family-run and artisanal wine businesses, which lie at the heart of the Independent Winegrowers’ model.
At the same time, the final text reflects an overall orientation that raises concerns. Particular emphasis is placed on industrial products such as (partially) de-alcoholised wines, alongside a reinforcement of trends towards massification of production and concentration of actors within the sector, notably through the growing role of Producer Organisations. Such approaches appear ill-suited to a sector where value creation is based on diversity, territorial anchoring and artisanal know-how, and, above all, raise concerns about a preferential allocation of support to these structures.
That said, CEVI acknowledges the progress achieved on key priorities for the enterprises it represents, in particular with regard to promotion in third countries, improved access to this measure for small producers, and strengthened support for wine tourism. These tools are essential to support the diversification and development of Independent Winegrowers’ companies.
Furthermore, CEVI welcomes the strengthening of the crisis management toolbox made available to Member States, notably through the introduction of a grubbing-up measure, which is essential to address the current tensions affecting the sector. CEVI also very positively welcomes the permanent establishment of the planting authorisation system, a cornerstone of the stability of the European vineyard, as well as the extension of replanting authorisations, which provide greater flexibility and predictability for European winegrowers.
As underlined by Samuel Masse, President of CEVI: “If the wine package does not fulfil all the objectives set out by the HLG, it provides a necessary response to the situation currently facing European viticulture. Thanks to the work of the European Parliament, the final text better reflects the reality of family-run and artisanal wine SMEs represented by Independent Winegrowers, in particular as regards promotion and support for wine tourism. Preserving the diversity of models, terroirs and artisanal know-how remains essential to securing the future of European viticulture and wine-producing regions.”