The 2025 edition of Vinitaly in Verona welcomed not only Italy’s top wine producers and global stakeholders but also a rare and significant dual appearance by two European Commissioners — Christophe Hansen (Agriculture) and Olivér Várhelyi (Health) — marking a momentous show of institutional support for the European wine sector.
Amidst a festive atmosphere of toasts and industry enthusiasm, Commissioner Hansen, accompanied by Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, engaged directly with producers from across Italy, sending a clear message: the EU stands with wine.
The “Wine Package” and Optimism for Fast-Track Approval
At the heart of Hansen’s visit was the presentation of the “Wine Package” — a suite of legislative and financial support measures aimed at strengthening Europe’s wine sector in the face of market instability and declining consumption. Speaking at the official conference, Hansen expressed hope for rapid implementation: “I hope by autumn,” he stated confidently, addressing stakeholders eager for clarity and action.
The package, previewed days earlier during his stop in Rome and covered by WineNews, includes mechanisms to help producers adapt to shifting consumer preferences, open new international markets, and respond to crises with a stronger EU safety net.
A Sector Shaken by Duties and Global Tensions
Hansen did not shy away from the pressing issue of international trade tensions. “The markets have been shaken by COVID, wars, and now duties,” he said. “No one benefits from this situation.” His message was clear: duties are a threat to global trade, and the EU must stay committed to de-escalation through negotiations.
In this regard, he affirmed that Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is in active dialogue with the United States — the EU’s primary wine export market. “The US market cannot be replaced,” Hansen noted, while emphasizing the importance of building new bridges in high-potential markets like Japan, Mercosur countries, and India.
Toward a “Unity Safety Net” for Resilience
Recognizing the vulnerabilities faced by agri-food businesses, Hansen introduced the concept of a “Unity Safety Net” — a dual mechanism providing both legislative and financial protection. The aim is to reduce fragility in the face of economic coercion and support long-term resilience for European wine producers.
Labeling and the Single Market: A Unified QR Code?
Labeling reform also featured prominently in Hansen’s remarks. The European Commission is working on simplifying labeling through a standardized QR code across all Member States. This move is intended to protect the Single Market while accommodating innovations like dealcoholized and low-alcohol wines.
Still, Hansen showed openness to national proposals, provided they do not jeopardize market unity. His comments come amidst criticism from countries like Ireland, whose warning-label model has been viewed by some as stigmatizing wine instead of informing consumers.
Italian Voices: Calls for Flexibility and Realism
From Italy, the call was for pragmatism. ICE President Matteo Zoppas relayed industry feedback seeking more flexibility — especially in financial management — within EU programs. Minister Lollobrigida echoed the demand, advocating for responsive tools to navigate a volatile climate and economic reality.
Lollobrigida also urged a re-evaluation of certain Green Deal policies, labeling some as “ideological follies” that risk harming agricultural productivity. On the duty dispute with the US, he advocated diplomacy over confrontation, calling for Europe to act “with the wisdom typical of the Old Continent.”
Ceev President Marzia Varvaglione further emphasized the role of dialogue, proposing that wine sector representatives act as intermediaries in trade negotiations to ease tensions and restore cooperation.
A Turning Point for Wine in Europe?
The convergence of two European Commissioners at Vinitaly 2025 may signal a turning point. Institutional presence, direct dialogue, and policy initiatives like the “Wine Package” and the “Unity Safety Net” are shaping a future in which wine remains not only a cultural treasure but a protected economic pillar of Europe.
As trade dynamics evolve and climate and consumption patterns shift, the wine world is watching closely — hopeful that diplomacy, adaptability, and unity will safeguard its legacy and unlock new opportunities.
Source: WineNews