Co-legislators have agreed on a text that constitutes an important signal to support the EU wine sector, as it faces its most important crises. Copa and Cogeca appreciate the swift reaction from EU institutions to take action, and acknowledge the decisive role played by the European Commission in initiating this process. This new agreement marks a significant improvement over the initial proposal. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate that several key elements that could have strengthen the text were not retained.
A number of measures included in the package will contribute to the sector’s recovery from the crisis it is currently facing. Enhancements of the text, such as the possibility of using EU support for grubbing-up, the extension of the duration of promotion activities, the improvements in co-financing for climate change adaptation, for contrasting Flavescence dorée and for wine tourism investments, are all positive achievements. Furthermore, the new designation ‘reduced alcohol’ for de-alcoholized wines marks a positive development for wine producers and consumers alike.
However, Copa and Cogeca can only but regret the exclusion of a provisions allowing the carry-over of unspent funds to the following financial year and the omission of cooperatives for the highest co-financing rates. These shortcomings will inevitably restrain the overall positive potential of the wine package.
In light of the outcome of this trilogue, Copa and Cogeca also call for the swift endorsement of the agreement by both the Council and the European Parliament, which will be essential for timely and effective implementation of the new framework. They also encourage the co-legislators to ensure that these positive innovations will remain in place even after the end of the current CAP. Additionally, measures that were not included but would significantly support winegrowers—such as the carry-over of unspent funds, further extensions of promotional activities, and allowing cooperatives to benefit from the highest co-financing rates—should also be integrated in future revisions of the relevant legislations. Taking these steps would send a strong and much-needed signal to a sector that remains deeply affected by the ongoing crisis.
Fonte: Copa Cogeca
