MEPs pass new rules to support the wine sector

Members of the European Parliament voted in favor of the so-called wine package today.

The plenary adopted the version that emerged from inter-institutional talks in December, with 625 votes in favor, 15 against, and 11 abstentions.

The measure would amend rules on wine labeling, production and promotion, designed to help European winemakers cope with trends of declining consumption, production and exports. The dire situation facing producers was outlined by the High Level Group on Wine Policy just over a year ago and co-legislators were able to agree on the new support measures after just one round of political negotiations.

The package still needs to be formally adopted by member countries before the new rules are official, with the expectation that winemakers will feel the difference in the spring.

“Developments over the past year have shown very clearly that the problems identified persist, and in some cases have even intensified,” Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen told MEPs during a debate on the eve of the vote. “This is why the wine sector urgently needs the new measures provided by this package.”

The support includes more funding and flexibility during severe weather, plant disease and pest outbreaks. Additionally, producers managing protected geographical indication areas will get additional support to promote tourism.

While negotiators agreed on much of the support for the sector, labeling for de-alcoholized wine was a contentious topic. Plans for “low-alcohol” labels were abandoned in favor of “alcohol reduced” descriptions.