In a challenging context for the wine sector over recent years, and as announced in the Vision for the Future of Agriculture, the European Commission today presented a ‘Wine Package’ that largely builds on the consultation work carried out within the High-Level Group on Wine. Copa and Cogeca welcome this action plan, which includes pragmatic measures, though uncertainties remain regarding its financial aspects.
The European Commission has delivered on its promises. The long-awaited Wine Package has been published following Commissioner Hansen’s commitment to swiftly implement the recommendations of the High-Level Group on Wine Policy, concluded in December 2024. Copa and Cogeca welcome this timely response from the EU institutions to the structural crisis facing the EU wine sector.
The inclusion of grubbing-up schemes as part of the sectoral toolbox—albeit financed by national funds—will help stabilise the wine market. Extending the validity period for replanting authorisations, along with the swift activation of crisis measures, is also a positive and necessary step.
However, we regret that key financial recommendations from the High-Level Group, such as greater flexibility in using sectoral funds over multiple years and improved resource management within the same financial year, were not retained by the Commission. This omission casts a shadow over the overall package, as it risks undermining its effectiveness—an issue Copa and Cogeca consistently highlighted during discussions. In fact, without an adequate financial framework that allows for flexible use of sectoral resources, the impact of these measures will be limited.
We stand ready to collaborate with co-legislators in the upcoming discussions and call for a constructive approach leading to a swift agreement.
