First OK from EU Countries for Wine Sector Support Measures

Brussels: EU countries have adopted a political mandate on a comprehensive package of support measures for the wine sector, initially presented by the European Commission in March. The legislative package aims to provide flexibility for governments regarding vine planting authorisations, production control measures, and offers more financial coverage for climate risks. Additionally, it seeks to promote wine tourism as part of the broader support framework.

According to Ansa News Agency, a notable aspect of this package is the proposal to make low-alcohol and alcohol-free wine labels more appealing and recognizable. The EU Council has agreed to use terms such as “alcohol free,” “0.0%,” or “alcohol light” on the labels. For products with an alcohol content not exceeding 0.5%, the label “alcohol-free” will be used. For those with a reduced alcohol content-above 0.5% but at least 30% lower than the minimum required for the category before dealcoholisation-the label “low-alcohol” will replace “alcohol light.”

Further, the EU Council has decided to extend promotional campaigns in non-EU countries from the current span of three years to five years. This move also includes increasing EU funding for promotional and informational activities to cover up to 60% of the costs. Member States are allowed to provide national co-financing up to 30%, with a combined cap of 80% on EU and national contributions.