The European Union is preparing to unveil a package of support measures for its struggling wine sector, which is facing a series of challenges, including falling consumption, climate change impacts, and the potential for US tariffs after Donald Trump’s return to the White House. EU agriculture commissioner Christophe Hansen confirmed that the European Commission is working on the proposal, which could be presented as soon as March 2025.
Hansen stated, “The European Commission is very keen to propose a package of specific measures for the wine sector that will provide some immediate response for the sector.” He also expressed confidence that the Commission would be able to move quickly, saying, “I am confident that we can put forward a proposal very soon and possibly already in March.”
The wine sector’s difficulties have been compounded by a sharp decline in consumption, which has affected sales. Additionally, extreme weather events linked to climate change have disrupted grape harvests and reduced crop yields in many regions, further straining producers. On top of these challenges, the looming threat of US tariffs, a key market for European wine, under a potential second term for Trump, has created further uncertainty.
An expert report from December 2024 recommended targeted actions to help the sector adapt to market trends and seize new opportunities. The report also stressed the need to fight unfair trading practices and enhance the flexibility of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds to respond to sudden crises. Hansen highlighted these concerns, noting the importance of quickly reacting to extreme weather events and other unforeseen challenges.
One of the key measures likely to be proposed is greater flexibility in CAP funds, allowing for quicker and more effective responses to events like crop failures due to climate change. The report also suggested that the EU should introduce more targeted financial support for regions facing severe weather-related damage. Hansen pointed to the need for such measures, emphasizing that “we have to react more quickly to extreme climate events.”
With the wine industry under significant pressure, the European Commission’s proposal is expected to provide critical support to stabilize the sector and secure its long-term sustainability. As Hansen put it, “We are very keen to provide some immediate response for the sector,” signaling the Commission’s commitment to assisting Europe’s wine producers during this challenging period.
