Bruxelles, 16 December 2024
EFOW, the European Federation of Origin Wines (www.efow.eu) would like to thank the European Commission for the establishment of the High-Level Group (HLG) on wine and for its collaborative approach to addressing challenges in the wine sector.
“We commend the European Commission for building confidence and trust through an innovative, bottom-up working method that involved Member States and stakeholders” said EFOW’s President, Mr. Riccardo Ricci Curbastro. “The recommendations adopted today set the right course for the sector’s future.“
EFOW supports key recommendations of the HLG. We welcome in particular the introduction of new measures to strengthen the vine planting authorisations scheme, as well as an extended toolbox available to the sector which can be tailored by Member States to address economic and climate adaptation challenges. We fully support the need for stronger promotion of wine culture, terroirs, and GIs and of the moderate consumption of wine. However, EFOW regrets that the HLG calls for the promotion of no-alcohol wines, in particular as this market segment is not for GI wines.
“Faced with a strong crisis, the wine sector counts on the European institutions to implement these recommendations swiftly” added EFOW’s President. “We consider that the ongoing CAP review offers a unique opportunity to EU co-legislators to deliver on the positive recommendations of the HLG. GI wine producers need a new EU legal framework to adapt and thrive amidst current challenges, to overcome crises and build a sustainable future with renewed perspectives.“