On February 24 in Strasbourg, the European Parliament approved a wide-ranging package of measures designed to strengthen the European Union’s wine sector.
The proposal passed with an overwhelming majority — 625 votes in favor, 15 against, and 11 abstentions — signaling broad political consensus across party lines.
The initiative aims to help European wine producers confront structural challenges such as declining domestic consumption, rising international competition, and climate-related disruptions, while also positioning the sector to capitalize on new global market opportunities.
Clearer Rules for Non-Alcoholic and Reduced-Alcohol Wines
One of the most significant changes concerns labeling regulations for non-alcoholic and reduced-alcohol wines. Under the new framework:
- Only wines with an alcohol content of 0.05% ABV or less may carry the labels “alcohol-free” or “0.0%”.
- Wines with alcohol levels reduced by at least 30% compared to the standard category level prior to dealcoholization must be labeled as having “reduced alcohol content.”
This clarification is intended to increase transparency for consumers and ensure fair competition within the rapidly expanding low- and no-alcohol wine segment.
As consumer preferences evolve — especially among younger demographics and health-conscious buyers — regulatory clarity is expected to support innovation while safeguarding product integrity.
Increased Funding for International Expansion
The package also enhances financial support mechanisms for market access beyond the EU. Member States will be allowed to co-finance up to 60% of the costs wineries incur when entering third-country markets. Additional national top-ups may include:
- Up to 30% extra support for SMEs
- Up to 20% for larger enterprises
Eligible promotional activities — including advertising campaigns, trade fairs, events, and sectoral studies — will be funded for three years, renewable twice, for a maximum duration of nine years.
Given that wine remains the EU’s third-largest agri-food export sector, these provisions are expected to strengthen the global competitiveness of European producers.
Strengthened Crisis Management and Climate Support
Recognizing the growing impact of climate change, the new rules expand crisis response tools. In cases of natural disasters or extreme weather events, winegrowers may receive aid covering up to 80% of eligible costs.
Additionally, EU funds may be used for:
- Permanent vineyard removal (“grubbing-up”) to stabilize overproduction
- Distillation and green harvesting measures, capped at 25% of the national wine sector per Member State
The framework also permits the temporary suspension of new planting rights in cases of serious market imbalance — a measure aimed at preventing structural oversupply.
Political Support Across the Spectrum
Rapporteur Esther Herranz García (EPP, Spain) emphasized that the package responds to diverse regional challenges across Europe. Salvatore De Meo (Forza Italia) highlighted its relevance for Italian producers facing falling consumption and international pressures.
Camilla Laureti (Democratic Party) underscored that the wine sector supports approximately 2.9 million jobs across Europe, stressing the importance of greater regulatory certainty and simplified labeling. Cristina Guarda (Greens/EFA) described the legislation as a recognition of the profound crisis affecting the sector, including overproduction and climate-driven instability.
The agreement, reached between Parliament and Council in early December, now awaits formal adoption by the Council of the European Union before publication in the Official Journal and entry into force.
Source: Vinetur
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