Council approves set of measures to support the EU wine sector
Today the Council adopted the regulation on a modernised policy framework to support a competitive, resilient and future-orientated EU wine sector. The updated measures are designed to better balance supply and demand, reinforce climate adaptation, simplify and harmonise labelling practices, encourage innovation, expand planting flexibility, and stimulate rural economies. They will also strengthen the sector’s capacity to respond to evolving consumer preferences and seize emerging market opportunities.
“By adopting the regulation on the wine sector today, less than a year after it was proposed by the Commission, the Council and the member states once again demonstrate that they listen carefully to farmers’ and the agricultural sector’s concerns and are ready to take effective action to address them.
First, by providing clear and targeted political guidance to the Commission on the measures required, and second, by adopting those measures swiftly in cooperation with the European Parliament. This ensures that the sector can already benefit from them this year.”
– Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus
Key elements of the agreement
Better alignment of production and demand
Member states may support measures such as grubbing-up of excess vines to prevent oversupply and maintain market stability supporting innovation and adapting to new market conditions. The end date for the planting rights scheme is removed and instead a 10-year revision period is introduced.
Stronger climate resilience
Member states may increase EU support for climate-related investments, including mitigation and adaptation – up to 80% of eligible costs, enabling a faster shift towards sustainable production.
Simplified and harmonised labelling
Labelling rules will become simpler across the EU, cutting administrative costs and facilitating cross-border trade for the benefit of the consumers and producers.
Consumers will gain clearer access to information, including through digital labels and pictograms.
Boosting rural economies through wine tourism
Wine producers can receive targeted support to develop wine tourism initiatives, driving economic growth in rural regions.
Reduced or no-alcohol wines
The term ‘alcohol-free’ will apply to products below 0.5% alcohol, with ‘0.0%’ used for those below 0.05%.
For reduced-alcohol wines (above 0.5% but at least 30% lower than the standard strength), there will be the clearer designation ‘reduced-alcohol’, replacing the previously suggested ‘alcohol-light’.
Export flexibility
Wines destined for export will be exempt from the requirement to list ingredients and provide a nutrition declaration for the internal EU market, reducing unnecessary administrative burden.
Combating plant diseases
To fight plant diseases like flavescence dorée, the new package will provide more support such as monitoring, diagnostics, training, and research. This will help protect vineyards from this major threat.
Aromatised wine products — expanding innovation
The agreement clarifies that rosé wine may be used as a base for additional regional aromatised wine products, widening the scope for product development. This will encourage innovation in emerging product styles and support producers responding to new consumer tastes.
Next steps
The regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
Background
The EU wine sector is a cornerstone of Europe’s cultural and economic fabric. It represents 60% of global wine production and is the third-largest EU agrifood sector in terms of exports. The wine sector also helps counter rural depopulation by creating stable jobs and sustaining local economies. Furthermore, it contributes to the conservation of European cultural heritage, with 88% of EU vineyards dedicated to geographical indications.
