Copa and Cogeca Applaud EU Wine Reforms but Press for Further Changes

The European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee approved significant changes to the EU Wine Package on Tuesday evening, drawing a positive response from Copa and Cogeca, two major organizations representing European farmers and agri-cooperatives. The vote, which passed with a large majority, took place in Brussels and is seen as an important step for the wine sector across Europe. However, Copa and Cogeca emphasized that further adjustments are needed during upcoming trilogue negotiations between the Parliament, Council, and Commission to ensure the final package is balanced and effective.

Among the improvements highlighted by Copa and Cogeca are the extension of deadlines for promotional activities and increased support for wine tourism. These measures are expected to help boost the visibility and competitiveness of EU wines in key export markets at a time when global trade faces uncertainty. The organizations also welcomed higher co-financing rates for crisis management tools such as grubbing-up schemes, green harvesting, and distillation. These instruments are considered essential for managing market volatility and supporting producers during difficult periods.

Another positive development noted by Copa and Cogeca is the simplified procedure for authorizing new vineyard plantings. This change is intended to make it easier for growers to renew their vineyards, which could help maintain the sector’s vitality.

Despite these advances, Copa and Cogeca expressed concern about restrictions placed on support programs for wine producers who benefit from crisis measures. While they recognize the need to avoid double payments, they argue that such limitations should not hinder the sector’s ability to innovate or adapt to rapidly changing market conditions. They called for trilogue negotiators to adopt language that protects growers’ capacity to replant vineyards, which they see as crucial for fostering innovation and adaptation.

The organizations also voiced opposition to proposed yield limits on replanted vineyards. They argue that this measure would be impractical, could undermine regional economies and traditional wine production, and would create additional administrative burdens.

Copa and Cogeca acknowledged progress in defining low-alcohol wines within the new package but urged lawmakers to clearly distinguish between dealcoholized wines and those with naturally low alcohol content in future discussions.

As trilogue negotiations approach, Copa and Cogeca are urging EU lawmakers to consider the improvements adopted by Parliament. They stress the importance of ensuring flexibility, effective crisis management tools, and strong promotional support in the final package so that Europe’s wine sector can remain competitive and resilient in a challenging global environment.