The wine industry association values the agreement in Brussels for its progress in promotion, wine tourism and digital labeling, although it maintains its strong opposition to the use of European funds to finance the uprooting of vineyards.
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La Spanish Wine Federation (FEV) has expressed its satisfaction with the provisional political agreement reached between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on the 'Wine Package'This set of measures seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of the wine sector in the face of geopolitical, climatic and economic challenges, serving as a key prelude to the negotiation of the PAC 2027.
European recognition and requirements for the future CAP
According to the employers' association, the approval of this legislative package constitutes an explicit recognition by Brussels of the socio-economic relevance of wine both in Spain and in Europe as a whole. José Luis Benítez, general director of the FEV, has thanked the work of Department of agriculture and the MEP Esther Herranz, speaker of the papers, for his receptiveness to the demands of the industry.
However, the sector's focus is already on the long term. "This recognition should be the first step to ensure that the future CAP from 2027 onwards maintains sufficient and specific funding through the Wine Sector Intervention (ISV), aimed at bolstering the sector's competitiveness and sustainability," Benítez stated.
In this line, the FEV has urged the Spanish government to maintain a "firm position" in the next December European CouncilThe aim is to implement substantial improvements to the Commission's initial proposal for the future CAP, which has raised concerns in the industry.
Main measures of the 'Wine Package' agreement
The agreement, which will be ratified by the European Parliament next January, introduces new regulations designed to modernize the sector. The key points agreed upon in the trilogue are detailed below:
| Area of Action | Measure Approved and Sectoral Benefit |
|---|---|
| Foreign Promotion | Funding is strengthened and the possibility of extending the time limit in winery promotion plans is enabled, which is vital for internationalization. |
| Wine tourism | It is explicitly included as an eligible activity within the investment measure. Wineries will be able to receive direct aid to boost this key activity in rural areas. |
| Digital Labeling | The Commission will develop a harmonized symbol in the EU to identify the QR code, providing the legal certainty demanded by companies. |
| New products | Harmonization of terms for non-alcoholic and partially dealcoholized wines, also aligning the legal framework for aromatized products. |
| Sustainability | Member States may increase European co-financing for climate change mitigation and adaptation investments. |
Opposition to vineyard uprooting with promotional funds
Despite the generally positive assessment, the FEV The federation has reiterated its disagreement with one of the most controversial points: the use of European funds for vineyard uprooting. Although certain restrictions have been established, the federation believes that resources should be allocated to those who decide to continue and improve their competitiveness, not to incentivize abandonment.
The CEO has been emphatic on this point: “We must insist that, under no circumstances, should funds earmarked for promotion or investment be diverted from Spain to finance a potential startup.” The employers' association maintains that aid should foster productive activity and the resilience of the business sector, not reduce the cultivated area through subsidies that divert funds from growth programs such as international promotion.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the EU wine agreement
What is the EU-approved 'Wine Package'?
It is a set of legislative measures agreed by the European Parliament, Council and Commission to help the wine sector face economic and climate challenges, improving its competitiveness through new rules on promotion, labelling and sustainability.
How does the agreement benefit wine tourism in Spain?
The agreement includes wine tourism as an eligible activity within the investment measures. This will allow Spanish wineries to apply for and receive direct aid to develop tourism infrastructure and projects, boosting rural development.
Why does the FEV oppose the uprooting of vineyards?
The FEV rejects the use of European funds to finance the uprooting (elimination) of vineyards because it believes that this money should be used to improve the competitiveness and promotion of wineries that are still active, instead of encouraging the abandonment of the activity.
