On Thursday, December 4, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement to update the regulatory framework governing the EU wine sector.
The reforms aim to strengthen producers’ ability to adapt to evolving market conditions, meet new consumer demands, and address challenges such as climate change and oversupply.
The agreement introduces measures to better balance production and demand. Member States can now support actions like removing surplus vines, helping prevent oversupply and stabilize markets. The planting rights scheme will no longer have a fixed deadline and will instead be reviewed every ten years, offering producers greater flexibility in planning and adapting to market trends.
Sustainability is a central focus. Countries may increase EU financial support for climate-related investments, covering up to 80% of eligible costs. This provision facilitates faster adoption of environmentally friendly production practices, including mitigation and adaptation measures.
Labeling regulations are also simplified and harmonized across the EU, reducing administrative burdens and easing trade between countries. Digital labels and pictograms will provide clearer information to consumers, enhancing transparency and accessibility.
The agreement encourages wine tourism development, with targeted support for initiatives that promote regional growth. Wine tourism not only stimulates rural economies but also helps maintain population in vineyard areas, highlighting the sector’s socio-economic importance.
For wines with low or no alcohol content, the terminology has been clarified:
- “Alcohol-free” for wines below 0.5% ABV
- “0.0%” for wines below 0.05% ABV
- “Reduced alcohol” for wines with at least 30% less alcohol than standard, replacing older designations.
Export-oriented wines are exempted from the obligation to provide ingredient lists and nutritional declarations for the EU internal market, reducing administrative costs for producers selling abroad.
The reforms also tackle plant health risks, particularly flavescence dorée, with added support for monitoring, diagnostics, training, and research. Additionally, rosé wines can now serve as a base for new regional aromatized wine products, promoting innovation and alignment with contemporary consumer preferences.
The provisional agreement awaits formal endorsement by both the European Parliament and the Council. The EU wine sector, responsible for roughly 60% of global production, is a leading agri-food exporter and a key driver of rural employment and cultural heritage.
This agreement reflects the EU’s commitment to helping producers navigate demographic shifts, changing consumption patterns, climate challenges, and trade uncertainties, ensuring the sector remains competitive, sustainable, and innovative.
Source: Vinetur