European Parliament votes new measures to protect, promote EU’s wine sector
In a vote on February 10, members of the European Parliament backed new legislation intended to enhance protection and support for European wine producers.
By 625 votes to 15 with 11 abstentions, the European Parliament approved a provisional agreement reached with EU member states in December 2025.
The new set of rules are intended to address challenges that wine producers are facing and unlock new market opportunities.
To clarify the rules on de-alcoholised wines, the term “alcohol-free” accompanied by the expression “0.0%” will be able to be used if the strength of the product does not exceed 0.05 per cent alcohol-by-volume.
Products the strength of which is above 0.5 per cent volume but at the same time are already at least 30 per cent lower than the standard alcoholic strength of the category of wine before de-alcoholisation, should be labelled as “alcohol reduced”.
In response to severe natural disasters, extreme weather conditions or plant disease outbreaks, winegrowers will receive additional support.
The text also foresees the use of EU funds for so-called “grubbing up”. The national payment ceiling for wine distillation and green harvesting will be set at 25 per cent of the global available funds per EU member state.
Producers will receive additional support to promote wine tourism.
Measures to incentivise economic growth in rural areas and promote quality European wines in third countries would be eligible for up to 60 per cent EU financing, while member states could add up to 30 per cent for small and medium enterprises and 20 per cent for larger companies.
Eligible activities could include information and promotional initiatives such as advertising, events, exhibitions and studies. They could be financed for three years, renewable twice to cover a total of nine years.
The provisional agreement needs to be approved by the Council of the EU before the new rules can enter into force.
(Photo: Patrick Kennedy)
