European wine companies’ Manifesto on the future of the EU wine sector – key challenges and priorities for the new EU mandate

Brussels, 21 May 2024 – The European Committee of Wine Companies (CEEV) published today its Manifesto, depicting the current challenging status of the EU wine sector and identifying solutions to be put in place for a coherent and integrated approach under the new EU mandate to ensure its thriving future.

“Unpredictable extreme weather events, inflation, increased production costs, geopolitical uncertainty, demonization of alcoholic beverages… the EU wine sector is facing a set of structural and conjunctural challenges that are putting in danger its long-term sustainability.” said Mauricio González-Gordon, President of CEEV. “The EU wine sector brings significant benefits to our society, so it is our heritage, our rural areas and its economy which is at risk!” he added.

With 3 million direct jobs, a positive fiscal impact of €52 billion and a market value exceeding €100 billion, the wine sector remains a cornerstone of the EU economy, particularly in rural areas where it plays a crucial role in combating depopulation. However, amidst its economic importance, climatic, regulatory and societal challenges pose significant barriers to the sector’s sustainability and are putting the sector at risk.

In response to these pressing issues, the wine sector has identified six strategic priorities aimed at fostering resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth:

• Reinforce a market-oriented Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that boosts competitiveness and reduces administrative complexity.
• Reconcile tradition and innovation in EU legislation to adapt wine products to consumers’ new expectations, demand and trends while preserving the culture of wine.
• Support climate resilience and green transition by defining the principles of sustainable wine production, prioritizing mitigation measures and recognizing ecosystem services.
• Reinforce the EU Single Market and reduce marketing cost by fully harmonizing regulations, promoting digitalization, and facilitating e-commerce for wine companies.
• Maintain an ambitious EU trade strategy that pursues an assertive EU trade strategy to expand market access, address trade barriers, and protect wine products from unrelated trade disputes.
• Adopt a coordinated, pragmatic and science-based EU health policy that differentiates between moderate wine consumption and alcohol abuse and fosters constructive dialogues.

“We need a coherent wine approach in the political arena to update laws and stand up against unfair attacks to our wine culture. Only then can we ensure the enduring strength of the EU wine sector, and continue to deliver unparalleled diversity, heritage and excellence in every bottle”, said Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV. “Our Manifesto includes a set of concrete proposals to safeguard our rich heritage, promote sustainable growth, and secure a prosperous future for European wine”, he emphasized.

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DOWNLOADS

• CEEV Manifesto on the future of EU wine sector – Summary version
• Annex to the CEEV Manifesto – Challenges of the EU wine sector