Brussels, 20 May 2025
EFOW, the European Federation of Origin Wines, took part in today’s meeting of the European Parliament’s Wine Intergroup, held at the Committee of the Regions. The session was dedicated to the European Commission’s newly proposed wine reform package and featured a key address by Commissioner Hansen, who presented the Commission’s vision for supporting the EU wine sector in the face of growing challenges.
Europe’s wine sector is currently grappling with significant structural issues, including overproduction, the impact of climate change, and a steady decline in consumption across the EU. In this context, EFOW welcomed the Commission’s reform proposal as both necessary and timely.
The proposed reform adopts a flexible, toolbox-based approach, allowing Member States and Geographical Indication (GI) groups to tailor measures to their specific needs. EFOW particularly values provisions such as the voluntary renunciation of planting rights without penalties, extended validity of replanting authorisations, increased flexibility in the vine planting scheme, and enhanced support for sustainability, wine tourism, and digital labelling.
While broadly supportive, EFOW emphasised the need for targeted improvements to better serve GI wine producers. These include clarifying rules on limiting planting authorisations, equipping recognised GI groups with effective market tools, strengthening conditionality linked to market support measures, and securing dedicated funding for sustainability initiatives.
Speaking at the Intergroup, EFOW President Riccardo Ricci Curbastro stated: “Commissioner Hansen made a clear commitment to support our sector – and he delivered. This reform proposal provides a solid foundation, but further work is needed to ensure the sector is fully equipped to face the challenges ahead. With the right adjustments, this reform can empower Europe’s wine sector not only to endure but to thrive.“
EFOW looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the European institutions in the months ahead to improve the proposal and secure a sustainable and competitive future for Europe’s wine appellations.
