The proposal presented today by the European Commission represents a necessary and positive response to the crisis currently affecting the European wine sector and to the requests expressed by the High-Level Group on Wine.
The measures outlined in the proposal presented by Commissioner Hansen are a positive first step, but it is crucial to continue working to listen to the sector’s operators and thus ensure positive developments in the medium and long term. This working method is necessary to restore the dynamism needed to overcome future challenges. It is essential that the discussion remains open, ensuring ongoing and structured support from EU institutions.
The wine sector, a pillar of European economy, faces not only internal challenges but also those arising from the international context. For this reason, it is necessary to adopt a coherent approach that integrates in a coherent way all European policies, particularly in key areas such as trade, promotion, water resilience and the digitalization of agriculture. Policies and measures should go further and address all areas impacting the sector, in order to create a comprehensive and long-term strategic vision.
Wine is strongly tied to international markets and needs to be supported by policies that ensure access to open and dynamic markets, capable of addressing global crises and international tensions. In this regard, it is essential to equip the sector with tools that allow it to respond promptly to external challenges and continue to thrive in the long term.
Another critical aspect is the work on consumption. It is necessary to listen to the needs of consumers, meeting their expectations while avoiding demonization of the sector. It is important to avoid unscientific approaches that deny the cultural and social significance of moderate wine consumption, an element deeply rooted in the traditions and habits of many European cultures.
The “bottom-up” consultation method that guided the Commission’s proposal has proven effective. In this case, collaboration between institutions, farmers and industry operators has yielded concrete results. This model could be successfully replicated in other sectors, such as livestock, where the need for quick and targeted responses is equally urgent.
Farm Europe calls on all Institutions and stakeholders to continue the constructive dialogue to further strengthen a resilient, competitive European wine sector that is able to face future challenges with renewed momentum.
O artigo foi publicado originalmente em Farm Europe.
