On December 4, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional political agreement on a new legislative package designed to strengthen and modernize the European Union’s wine sector.
Known as the “Wine Package,” this proposal introduces legal tools and policy recommendations intended to help producers confront the social, economic, geopolitical, and environmental challenges reshaping the industry.
The move was welcomed by the European Committee of Wine Companies (CEEV), which represents wine producers and companies across Europe. The organization highlighted both the speed of the negotiations and the inclusion of several long-requested, market-oriented measures addressing promotion, investment, and wine tourism.
A Balanced Proposal for a Sector Under Pressure
According to Marzia Varvaglione, president of the CEEV (European Confederation of Wine Tourism), the Wine Package responds to longstanding calls from operators seeking more flexibility and competitiveness. While acknowledging that no single piece of legislation can solve every structural issue, she emphasized that the agreement demonstrates a balanced institutional approach, one that avoids relying exclusively on crisis-driven measures.
Key Measures Agreed in the Wine Package
1. Greater Flexibility for Vineyard Planting Permits
One of the headline reforms is enhanced flexibility in managing vineyard planting authorizations. This will enable producers to better adapt to shifting market demands, climate conditions, and long-term planning needs. However, the sector expressed disappointment at the removal of the 2045 end-date, which would have provided long-term predictability.
2. Increased EU Co-Financing for Climate Investments
In a significant win for sustainability, Member States can now raise the EU’s co-financing rate for climate-related investments—both for mitigation and adaptation—to as high as 80%. This elevated support is expected to accelerate the transition toward more resilient, low-impact viticulture, a necessity as climate change intensifies pressure on vineyards across Europe.
3. Strengthened Promotion Programs
The agreement introduces a new 3+3+3 structure for promotion programs and increases budget availability. These changes aim to boost the global competitiveness of European wines, especially in emerging export markets where competition from non-EU producers is growing.
4. Clear Recognition of Wine Tourism
Wine tourism receives explicit support within the legislative framework. The CEEV considers this a major achievement, calling wine tourism a pillar of local economies and a strategic channel for strengthening the link between consumers and origin-based wines.
5. Toward Harmonized Digital Labeling
The European Commission committed to creating a harmonized EU-wide symbol to identify QR codes on wine labels. This will provide long-needed legal certainty for producers implementing digital labeling requirements and reduce fragmentation across Member States.
6. Updated Framework for Flavored and Low-Alcohol Wines
The legal framework for flavored wine products will now be aligned with that of other wine categories, simplifying the production of new low- and no-alcohol variants. This supports innovation in a rapidly growing market segment driven by evolving consumer preferences.
Remaining Concerns from the Wine Sector
Despite the progress made, the CEEV has voiced reservations over two key elements:
1. EU Funding for Vineyard Uprooting
Even with the introduction of restrictions, the CEEV maintains firm opposition to using EU funds for vineyard grubbing-up measures, arguing that such policies risk undermining producers and distorting long-term planning.
2. Regulation of Partially Dealcoholized Wines
The organization also expressed concern about the handling of partially dealcoholized wines, particularly products with alcohol content above 6% ABV. The CEEV believes the agreed approach leaves a regulatory gap, potentially impacting both market clarity and product consistency.
Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of the CEEV, noted that although the term “wine with reduced alcohol” was not the sector’s preferred terminology, it will become the official designation for partially dealcoholized products. He welcomed, however, the harmonized use of “0.0%” throughout the EU for alcohol-free products.
Next Steps: Formal Adoption Needed
The CEEV has urged EU lawmakers to swiftly formalize the adoption of the Wine Package, underlining its importance for ensuring the competitiveness, sustainability, and regulatory stability of one of Europe’s most emblematic agricultural sectors.
Once adopted, the package is expected to provide a more coherent, future-oriented framework that empowers wine producers to innovate, adapt, and continue thriving in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Source: Vinetur