The Council of the European Union convened its Working Group on Wine and Alcohol in Brussels on June 25, bringing together member state representatives to align positions on technical, regulatory, and international wine sector issues.
The meeting, held at the Justus Lipsius building, is part of the EU’s ongoing coordination framework on wine policy and its interaction with the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).
As a technical working body, the group plays a crucial role in preparing common EU positions ahead of international negotiations and regulatory discussions. The session followed a structured “1+2” format, limiting the number of delegates per member state, and was registered under internal reference 366811. Key agenda classifications included AGRI, AGRIORG, and OIV-related files, reflecting the agricultural and enological scope of the discussions.
The meeting began with the formal adoption of the agenda, followed by a presentation from the Presidency summarizing outcomes from recent OIV meetings held in April 2026. These updates included proposed structural and procedural reforms linked to the OIV Strategic Plan 2025–2029, as well as progress on draft technical resolutions currently in advanced stages of internal review. Delegations were also briefed on preparations for the 47th World Congress of Vine and Wine and the 24th General Assembly scheduled for October 2026.
These OIV processes are of high importance for the EU wine sector, as many of the organization’s resolutions later influence international standards on winemaking practices, analytical methods, labeling rules, and quality definitions. Early coordination among EU member states ensures that the bloc can present unified positions in global technical forums.
A significant part of the discussion also focused on the upcoming OIV calendar, including key meetings and deadlines for October 2026. These timelines are essential for national administrations and industry stakeholders, as they shape the preparation of technical positions that may later become part of European or national legislation.
In addition to OIV-related matters, delegations exchanged views on a scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concerning the safety of acute exposure to glycerol (E422) in beverages. While glycerol is an authorized additive with established technological uses in food and wine production, EFSA’s assessment could prompt further regulatory clarification if necessary. The inclusion of this topic highlights the EU’s continuous monitoring of food safety developments with potential implications for the beverage sector.
Although no formal conclusions were published, such working group discussions are essential for identifying convergence among member states before decisions are taken at higher political levels or in international negotiations. The exchange of views allows the EU to refine its stance on sensitive technical matters affecting wine production and trade.
The meeting documentation, including report ST 11049 2026 INIT issued by the Council’s General Secretariat, provides a structured record of the discussions and serves as a basis for follow-up actions within the Council framework.
The OIV remains a central reference point in global wine governance, with its scientific and technical resolutions influencing both EU and international regulatory frameworks. For major wine-producing countries such as France, Italy, and Spain, coordination at this level is essential, as decisions taken within the OIV often translate into practical implications for wineries, laboratories, and exporters.
The ongoing implementation of the OIV Strategic Plan 2025–2029 signals a period of institutional adaptation within the organization, aimed at improving its governance and technical efficiency. EU member states’ engagement in this process reflects the importance of staying aligned with future international standards.
With the October 2026 OIV Congress and General Assembly approaching, the Brussels working group is expected to remain actively involved in preparing unified positions. These preparatory efforts, while largely technical and behind the scenes, play a decisive role in shaping the regulatory environment for the European wine sector.
Source: Vinetur