European Parliament Approves Sweeping Support Package for EU Wine Producers

The European Parliament has approved a new set of measures aimed at supporting wine producers across the European Union. The vote, held in Strasbourg, saw 625 members in favor, 15 against, and 11 abstentions. The legislation is designed to address several challenges facing the wine sector, including declining consumption, increased international competition, and the impact of climate change.

The measures include clearer labeling requirements for non-alcoholic wines. Only products with an alcohol content not exceeding 0.05% will be allowed to use the term “non-alcoholic” along with “0.0%” on their labels. Wines that have had their alcohol content reduced by at least 30% compared to the standard for their category must display “reduced alcohol content.” These changes aim to provide more transparency for consumers and help producers differentiate their products in a competitive market.

Financial support is a key part of the package. Producers will be eligible for funding covering up to 60% of costs related to expanding into markets outside the EU. Member States can supplement this support with an additional 30% for small and medium-sized enterprises and up to 20% for larger companies. The legislation also introduces new funding for wine tourism initiatives, which can receive support for up to nine years through renewable three-year periods. Eligible activities include advertising campaigns, events, exhibitions, and sector studies.

In response to natural disasters and extreme weather events, winegrowers will be able to access financial support covering up to 80% of eligible costs. The legislation also allows EU funds to be used for “grubbing-up,” or the permanent removal of vines, as a way to stabilize production levels when necessary. National support for wine distillation and green harvesting is capped at 25% of each Member State’s wine sector.

Members of the European Parliament from different political groups have expressed support for the measures. Esther Herranz García, rapporteur for the text from Spain’s EPP group, said that Europe is providing concrete responses to challenges faced by producers in various regions. Salvatore De Meo, an Italian MEP and member of the Agriculture Committee, highlighted that the agreement gives Italian producers tools to address falling consumption and international market pressures.

Camilla Laureti, MEP for Italy’s Democratic Party and head of agricultural policy, noted that wine is the EU’s third largest agri-food export sector, with average production reaching 157 million hectoliters and providing jobs for 2.9 million people. She emphasized that the new rules offer greater certainty on authorizations and crisis management while simplifying labeling requirements.

Cristina Guarda, a Green MEP and member of the Agriculture Committee, pointed out that the measures are a response to a deep crisis in the sector caused by overproduction, declining consumption, and climate change. She said that her group supported provisions allowing new planting rights to be suspended in cases of serious market imbalance.

The next step is formal adoption by the Council of the European Union before publication in the Official Journal of the EU. An agreement with the Council was reached in December, making final approval likely in the coming weeks. Once enacted, these measures are expected to provide significant support for wine producers across Europe as they adapt to changing market conditions and environmental challenges.