CEEV backs new wine deal but warns legislation is not a silver bullet

European wine producers are set to benefit from a new policy agreement reached in Brussels this week. On December 3, the European Parliament and the Council agreed on a provisional “Wine Package” designed to help the sector face ongoing social, economic, geopolitical, and environmental challenges. The deal follows months of negotiations and is seen as a response to long-standing requests from wine industry operators for more market-oriented support tools.

The Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV), which represents European wine companies, welcomed the agreement. Marzia Varvaglione, president of CEEV, said the package addresses key concerns of the sector, especially in areas such as promotion, investment, and wine tourism. She noted that while the measures are positive, EU law alone cannot solve all the problems facing wine producers.

One of the main features of the agreement is increased flexibility in managing planting authorizations. This change is expected to help wine companies plan production more effectively and adapt to changing market conditions. However, some in the sector expressed disappointment over the removal of a 2045 deadline for planting rights, arguing that it could reduce long-term stability.

The package also allows member states to raise EU co-financing for climate-related investments up to 80% of eligible costs. This move aims to accelerate efforts by wine producers to adapt to climate change and adopt more sustainable practices. The sector has faced growing pressure from extreme weather events and shifting environmental conditions in recent years.

Promotion programs will also see changes under the new agreement. A new structure will allow for three consecutive three-year periods of funding, with increased financial support available. Industry leaders believe this will help strengthen the international competitiveness of European wines at a time when global markets are becoming more challenging.

Wine tourism received explicit support in the package as well. The CEEV highlighted that oenotourism is an important driver of local economic growth and helps build stronger connections between producers and consumers.

Labeling rules are set for updates too. The European Commission has committed to developing a harmonized symbol for QR codes on wine labels, which should provide greater legal certainty for producers across member states. There will also be alignment between regulations for aromatized wine products and standard wines, making it easier for producers to introduce new “No-Low” alcohol wine types.

Despite these advances, some concerns remain within the industry. The CEEV reiterated its opposition to using EU funds for grubbing-up vineyards—a measure intended to reduce overproduction—even with restrictions in place. There is also unease about how partially dealcoholized wines will be regulated. The agreement introduces a new category called “reduced alcohol wine” for products above 6% alcohol by volume, which some fear could create legal ambiguities and disrupt market coherence.

Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV, said that while not all terminology choices were ideal for the sector, he welcomed moves toward harmonizing terms like “0.0%” for alcohol-free wines. He called on lawmakers to formally adopt the package without delay.

The Wine Package is expected to be formally approved in the coming weeks. If adopted as planned, it will mark one of the most significant updates to EU wine policy in recent years, with direct implications for producers across Europe and potential ripple effects in global wine markets.