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Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins

CEEV

CEEV represents the European wine industry and trade, promoting its interests among EU institutions and advocating for quality standards and technical progress in the wine sector.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Jessica Polfjärd (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

28 Jan 2026 · Health policy

Meeting with Joachim Streit (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Dec 2025 · Wine Package

Meeting with Christine Singer (Member of the European Parliament)

2 Dec 2025 · Ethanol

Meeting with Catherine Combette (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development) and spiritsEUROPE

26 Nov 2025 · Update on Free Trade Agreements negotiations (FTA) in Asia/Australasia region

European wine industry urges smoother trade rules for organic exports

18 Nov 2025
Topic — Targeted revision of EU rules for organic trade equivalence and production methods.
Message — The association requests extending the 2026 trade deadline and including wine in all equivalence agreements. They also advocate for allowing innovative dealcoholization and tartaric stabilization techniques in organic production.123
Why — Simplifying these rules would reduce administrative costs and improve access to global markets.4
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Meeting with Catherine Combette (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development)

2 Oct 2025 · State of play of Free Trade Agreements (FTA) negotiations with India

Wine Industry Urges EU to Target Only Harmful Drinking

11 Sept 2025
Topic — The European Commission is developing a plan to improve cardiovascular health.
Message — The sector requests that EU policy targets only harmful consumption patterns. They advocate for evidence-based measures that avoid stigmatising wine through education.12
Why — Focusing on moderation protects the wine sector from strict labeling and regulations.34
Impact — Health groups seeking strict alcohol warnings lose momentum for more restrictive policies.5
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Meeting with Catherine Combette (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development)

23 Jul 2025 · State of play of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with India

Meeting with Flavio Facioni (Cabinet of Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi)

10 Jul 2025 · Cardiovascular plan and health warnings

Meeting with Denis Redonnet (Deputy Director-General Trade) and

4 Jun 2025 · In his mission letter Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is tasked to “closely monitor the full enforcement of our trade agreements on market access and rules […]”.

Response to Wine package: Implementation of the recommendations of the High-Level Group on wine policy

2 Jun 2025

We welcome the willingness of the European Commission to materialize its support to the wine sector by translating the policy recommendations adopted by the High-Level Group on wine last December into a concrete proposal aimed at helping the EU wine sector to address the serious challenges it is facing and to become more competitive. Nevertheless, since that date, the situation of the wine sector has further deteriorated. Beyond the announcement of additional tariffs on the U.S. market, the sudden rise of tensions and trade barriers around the world is impacting economic and consumption outlooks in other third country markets and is generating huge uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike, which will negatively affect investment and the competitiveness of EU wine companies. While acknowledging several positive proposals put forward by the Commission in its draft regulation, we strongly believe the wine package must better reflect this deteriorating context to ensure strong and immediate relief and support for the wine companies. Therefore, we consider that the following priorities are of crucial improvements to be envisaged to facilitate the daily life and support the short-term competitiveness of EU wine companies: 1. Labelling: accelerate and secure the use of language-free solution for the identification of the QR-code leading to the digital label, 2. Producers organisation: maintain the collective capacity of the sector to manage and adapt wine supply to market demand while avoiding raising issues in regard to EU competition law 3. National support programs improvements Financial support: ensure a level playing field between the different categories of wine operators in the access of EU financial tools and further simplify the implementation rules to improve their efficiency and support the competitiveness of EU companies, 4. No- and low-alcohol wine products: i. avoid the adoption of contradictory or disproportionate labelling rules for (partially) dealcoholised wine products, which would hinder the development of this rapidly growing market segment, ii. further facilitate the production of (partially) dealcoholised aromatized wine products, while ensuring their integration into the wine family We stand ready to engage with EU policy makers to ensure a well-balanced approach in view of securing the competitiveness and consequently the sustainability of the EU wine sector.
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Meeting with Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (Member of the European Parliament) and Plants for the Future European Technology Platform

21 May 2025 · Exchange of views

European Wine Industry Supports Exempting Used Barrels From Deforestation Rules

13 May 2025
Topic — The European Commission is updating the list of products subject to deforestation rules.
Message — The industry requests the final text exclude used barrels and second-hand casks from the regulation's scope. They also support exempting single-use gift boxes and containers used to carry products.12
Why — This would lower compliance costs and simplify procedures for European wine producers.3
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Meeting with Esther Herranz García (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

5 May 2025 · Wine Package

Meeting with Christophe Hansen (Commissioner) and

7 Apr 2025 · Exchange of views on challenges of European wine sector

Meeting with Olivér Várhelyi (Commissioner) and

7 Apr 2025 · Priorities and challenges for the European wine companies

Meeting with Elena Panichi (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development), Mauro Poinelli (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development) and

24 Mar 2025 · EU-US Wine Dialogue – Industry session

Meeting with Pierre Bascou (Deputy Director-General Agriculture and Rural Development) and Union Européenne du Commerce du Bétail et des Métiers de la Viande and

17 Mar 2025 · Exchange of views on the Vision for the Future of Agriculture and agri-food trade.

Meeting with Herbert Dorfmann (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Feb 2025 · Discussion about the evaluation of EBCP and use of EU funds for financing of NGOs

Meeting with Luis Carazo Jimenez (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development) and European Federation of Origin Wines

5 Feb 2025 · Preparation of the meeting of the EU-US Wine Dialogue on 24 March 2025

European wine industry urges harmonized labels to end market fragmentation

31 Jan 2025
Topic — The consultation addresses further development of the single market to improve global competitiveness.
Message — CEEV calls for a "one label for the EU" system to prevent divergent national requirements. They argue that the free movement of goods requires full enforcement of harmonized rules and stronger notification procedures.12
Why — Standardized rules would reduce costs by allowing a single label design for all markets.3
Impact — Member States lose the power to enforce national regulations without prior European Commission approval.4
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Meeting with Catherine Combette (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development) and Union Européenne du Commerce du Bétail et des Métiers de la Viande and European Liaison Committee for Agriculture and agri-food trade

28 Jan 2025 · Exchange of views on the on-going trade negotiations in the Indo-Pacific region

Meeting with Elisabetta Siracusa (Director Agriculture and Rural Development) and Union Européenne du Commerce du Bétail et des Métiers de la Viande and

28 Jan 2025 · Introduction of CELCAA’s new President and exchange of views on recent developments on international agricultural trade.

Meeting with Catherine Combette (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development) and spiritsEUROPE and Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac

15 Jan 2025 · Meeting spiritsEUROPE for China-related issues.

Meeting with Tomas Baert (Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen) and European farmers and

3 Dec 2024 · Trade tensions - strategic thinking for agri-food trade

Response to Oenological practices permitted under certain conditions to produce organic de-alcoholised wine

13 Sept 2024

CEEV welcomes the European Commission's proposal to review legislation on the production of organic dealcoholized wine, following the initiative of the German authorities and the recommendations of the expert group for technical advice on organic production, EGTOP, included in its WINE II Final Report released on 17th April 2024. The production of organic wines and aromatized wine products (AWPs) is a rapidly growing sector driven by strong consumer demand. This trend is mirrored in the rising interest in no and low-alcohol wines and AWPs. Moreover, the European Union is committed to enhancing sustainability in the agrifood sector and aims to achieve the European Green Deal target of having 25% of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030. To support this goal, it is essential that legislation is promptly updated to facilitate the production and marketing of dealcoholised organic wines and AWPs. This will ensure these products can meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable beverage options with reduced or no alcohol content. While CEEV acknowledges that the delegated act and its annex are a positive step forward, it believes that: all the dealcoholization techniques currently permitted for conventional wines should also be allowed for organic wines. This would ensure consistency in quality and safety standards, while fostering innovation within the organic wine industry. the authorization of these techniques should be extended to the production of partially dealcoholized wines, a segment with significant potential for growth and development.
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Meeting with Eric Sargiacomo (Member of the European Parliament)

23 Jul 2024 · Intergroupe vin

Response to Evaluation of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

25 Apr 2024

Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) represents the European Union wine companies in the industry and trade. It brings together 25 national organisations from 13 EU Member States, plus Switzerland, UK and Ukraine, as well as a consortium of 4 leading European wine companies. The companies represented by CEEV, mainly SMEs, produce and market most quality European wines, both with and without a geographical indication, and account for over 90% of European wine exports. The Canadian market if of utmost importance for the EU wine sector, it stands as the fifth-largest destination for EU wine exports, with a total value reaching 1 billion in 2023. CETA serves as a crucial platform for addressing ongoing challenges faced by our members, especially at the provincial level. Through dialogue between EU and Canadian authorities, facilitated by the CETA Trade in Goods Committee and the CETA Wine & Spirits Committee, we aim to resolve these issues effectively. However, despite advancements, significant discrimination persists against local wines, hindering fair competition between EU and local producers. Please find comprehensive information in the attached file.
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Meeting with Janusz Wojciechowski (Commissioner) and

22 Apr 2024 · EU Promotion Policy These meetings were hold during the whole HLM

European wine industry urges clarity on BPA coating rules

8 Mar 2024
Topic — The European Commission is consulting on new restrictions for BPA in food packaging.
Message — The wine industry requests clear rules for monitoring residue levels and maintaining existing equipment. They want specific guidance on how to repair equipment and handle long-term market stocks.12
Why — Exemptions would protect significant investments in wine tanks and specialized production machinery.34
Impact — Consumers face continued exposure to bisphenols due to extended use of legacy equipment.5
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Meeting with Jorge Pinto Antunes (Cabinet of Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski)

18 Sept 2023 · Long term vision for the wine sector at the light of climate change and CAP support, and the transatlantic relations (CPA).

Meeting with Caroline Boeshertz (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis) and spiritsEUROPE and European Container Glass Federation

2 May 2023 · Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

EU wine body urges flexible reuse and digital labeling

24 Apr 2023
Topic — Commission review aims to minimize packaging waste while improving design and recycling requirements.
Message — They want specific wording for wine reuse targets and postponed deadlines. The group promotes digital labels to provide tailored recycling information to consumers.123
Why — Flexible rules avoid high costs and logistical burdens for small export-driven producers.45
Impact — Environmental targets suffer as long-distance exports make bottle reuse schemes less efficient.67
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Meeting with Kevin Keary (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

21 Mar 2023 · Alcohol labelling, WTO

Response to Indication of wine ingredients and adaptation of the rules for geographical indications in the wine sector

17 Feb 2023

We welcome the opportunity to provide feedback on the recently released Commission Delegated Regulation as regards the presentation of compulsory particulars and specific rules for the indication and designation of ingredients for grapevine products. Considering the experience reached with the development of the U-label platform, specific rules are needed for the development of an adapted legal framework that considers wine and wine production processes adequately and consumer understanding. Please find our comments in the attachment. We thank you for taking them into consideration. Kind regards,
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Meeting with Álvaro Amaro (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur) and European Federation of Origin Wines

8 Feb 2023 · A reforma das Indicações Geográficas - setor do vinho

Meeting with Joanna Stawowy (Cabinet of Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski) and Ibec

12 Oct 2022 · The Irish TRIS notification on Alcohol Labels

European wine industry warns against pesticide ban in sensitive areas

19 Sept 2022
Topic — The consultation addresses new EU rules for reducing chemical pesticide use and risks.
Message — The organization opposes a total pesticide ban in sensitive areas and requests longer implementation timelines. They also suggest exempting small-scale growers from the strictest requirements.123
Why — Maintaining these exemptions and timelines would protect the global competitiveness of European vineyards.45
Impact — Environmental protection efforts are compromised to ensure the continued economic profitability of viticulture.6
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Meeting with Joanna Stawowy (Cabinet of Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski)

30 Aug 2022 · front pack labelling for wine

Response to Brain drain communication

17 Jun 2022

Brain drain is not a new phenomenon and has been affecting all of Europe and European rural areas for a number of years. Brain Drain concerns young people, high graduates, individuals with strong social, economic and cultural capital, who leave the rural areas to find better living conditions, studies, work or remuneration. This many negative effects on rural areas. It leads to the departure of an active population, of active consumers, but also to a depopulation with the effects that are linked to it. More globally, it increases the economic and social divide between rural and urban areas. Making this population stay would have many advantages such as preserving rural areas, participating in their development and strengthening the attractiveness of rural areas. The wine sector has a very strong impact on the territories and specifically on rural areas. Vineyards in the European Union cover more than 3,2 million hectares. Whether we are talking about vineyards, or cellars, these have numerous effects on the territory and its attractiveness. The wine sector is a very large employer – 3 millions direct workers - while employment is one of the primary factors of "stability". Offering all kinds of employment levels up to high level of qualification. In addition to the producer a large part of the value chain is also local (agricultural supplies, bottler, cooperage …). Allowing the creation of strong and dynamic local economic areas, diversifying highly skilled employment and stimulates local entrepreneurs and investments. From the beginning the wine sector has a unique relation with the land and the soil, the vineyard, winegrowers, and others cannot be delocalized. The sector has an essential role concerning the preservation and development of his “terroir”. This link with rural areas is reinforced by the essential role of geographical indications promoted at the European level. Two thirds of the wines produced are quality wines (this proportion remains stable: 45% of PDOs and 21% of PGIs,). The wine sector is the first EU agri-food sector in product registered with 1626 Protected Denomination of Origin or Protected Geographical Indications in June 2022. As a reminder, a geographical indication in the wine sector is a regulated regional area, the production of these wines is governed by specifications and controls that guarantee their quality. GIs offer a “clear economic benefit for producers in terms of marketing and increased sales thanks to high quality and reputation of these products, and willingness of consumers to pay to get the authentic product”, according to a study published by the European Commission on 20 April 2020 (https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/a7281794-7ebe-11ea-aea8-01aa75ed71a1/language-en) More than a fabric of local businesses, the wine sector appears to be a driving force for rural areas. First of all, the sector is an example of economic, social and environmental success. The numerous companies participate in the local economy, whether in the creation of value or in the expenses that are more or less linked to their activities. The sector has also developed oenotourism, which allows to convey a good image of rural areas and bring people from all over to these areas. This new form of tourism contributes to the economic development of these region with the development of activities not necessarily related to the wine sector (accommodation, restaurant, museum, leisure). Oenotourism also encourage the creation of structures of promotion of the territory in connection with the wine sector. Finally, the presence of the sector in these territories contributes to the construction of a culture and a history around rural areas and wine. All of these elements help to, limit departures as much as possible, create an attraction around rural areas, maintain young or high skilled people and at best to be attractive and to attract brains to these areas.
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Response to Evaluation of the rates and structures of excise duty on alcohol and alcoholic beverages

15 Jun 2022

CEEV supports the maintenance of the existing EU excise rules The existing EU excise rules for wines and aromatized wine products (Directives 92/83 and 92/84) are fit for purpose and should be maintained to keep on addressing their initial main goals: to fill the gaps between different national fiscal policies and between different categories in terms of structural economic competitiveness. The current system already gives enough flexibility to MS to implement their own excise duty rates. Wine production significantly contributes to national incomes. Wine is an agricultural product covering huge surfaces of agricultural land and requiring intensive workforce. Taxes deriving from these elements significantly contribute to the fiscal efforts. While wine can in general be considered as appropriately priced, taxation in some MS is high. Excessive taxation means a high price for moderate consumers and a negative impact on the market. Principles for a fair excise duty regime Zero-excise duty for wine ● A zero or lower excise duty for wines helps address structural economic competitiveness and preserve positive externalities of the wine sector related to maintaining rural employment and economic growth. ● Wine production requires huge investments and time for new vineyards to start production. ● Grape growing and processing of grape-fermented beverages have a higher cost of production compared to other alcohol beverages (non-grape based). ● Most EU wines are produced under a quality scheme (PGI/PDO), in which certification represents a high cost. Taxation by volume ● Taxation of wines, aromatised wines and intermediate products should be based on volume. The possibility to apply different rates based purely on the alcoholic strength of the product would disrupt competition within the wine and aromatised wine sectors. ● Wine is not produced following a recipe and its final alcohol content is not directly controlled by the producer. Taxation and health Taxation does not seem to be effective to tackle harmful use of alcohol while it penalises the vast majority of consumers drinking in moderation. Excessive drinkers, seem to be less price responsive than moderate drinkers. Work around the impact of taxation relies largely on aggregate consumption measures, obscuring the variations in impact within populations and across drinking patterns. There is no scientific evidence that higher strength alcoholic beverages are more associated with harm compared to low strength beverages. International and national responsible drinking guidelines do not make this distinction. Harmful use of alcohol occurs regardless of category or strength of alcohol. Wine companies should be free to choose to engage or not in the no- and low-alcohol products market. No taxation initiative should be taken to promote reformulation of alcoholic beverages toward lower alcohol strength. Taxation vs context In Europe, social, demographic, and economic factors have been found to be more directly related to changes in alcohol consumption than regulatory policies, including taxation. The importance of context and culture is visible when assessing drinking patterns. For example, heavy episodic drinking, HED, is least prevalent in Mediterranean countries, despite these countries having low excise duties. Alcohol affordability has increased in the last decades while consumption and HED are decreasing. Alcohol policy measures should focus on harmful use of alcohol and not on consumption per se and should target vulnerable groups. Scientific evidence shows that drinking wine in moderation, with a meal, as part of healthy lifestyles and dietary patterns, in particular the Mediterranean diet, does not seem to increase health risk. Taxation can lead to unintended outcomes ● Including increase of illicit market and losses of government revenue. ● Price increases can contribute to increases in the consumption of cheaper and lower quality alcoholic beverages
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Response to Application of EU health and environmental standards to imported agricultural and agri-food products

16 Mar 2022

Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) welcomes the commitment to apply sustainability criteria to imports into the EU in the future, insofar as such criteria are compatible with EU commitments at international level, thus fully WTO-compliant. It is the EU duty to lead its partners there through negotiation and advocacy, rather than through a unilateral path that could bring more tension than cooperation. We support the EU objective to promote greater sustainability at global level to influence the implementation of the UN SDGs and welcome the Commission's willingness to have a transparent and informed debate on the application of certain production standards, including environmental ones, to imports. We would like to raise the following points: • EU standards should be promoted in international fora EU health and environmental standards should be promoted in multilateral fora (WTO, CODEX, etc.) rather than enforced or imposed unilaterally. The EU should avoid unilateral approaches that may not fully consider other production's realities and jeopardize international trade. Many examples show that unilateralism leads to trade retaliation, especially on EU wine which is at the same time a big export sector and a flagship for EU quality products exported around the world. Multilateralism is needed to avoid replicating situations such as the RED2 directive, that led to classifying palm oil as the only biofuel at high risk regarding indirect land use change. This led Indonesia to informally stop granting import licenses for EU wines for 2 years, meaning a loss on EU wines and spirits sales in Indonesia, while other suppliers like Australia, Chile or South Africa were not affected. • EU policy on imports of agri-food products achieves food safety and openness based on predictable rules. The EU policy on imports of agri-food products is governed by food safety requirements. Any food imported into the EU must comply with the general principles of food law. This system has ensured that all food products imported into the EU meet the highest EU food safety standards. It has also guaranteed the stability and predictability of trade flows between the EU and its trading partners, and supported the economic development of 3rd countries through their exports to the EU. • Private schemes are complementary to legislation in terms of promoting greater sustainability on imports Private sector initiatives are complementary to legislation when it comes to promoting more sustainable farming practices. Typically, consumers are informed through labelling, and controls and certifications are performed by certification organisations. These schemes are complementary to EU legislation, as they inform consumers on the processing methods of the products. They usually result from a partnership between companies and local communities. It shows how companies can contribute to more sustainable business models, stimulating multiple local, environmental, social and economic pay-offs while simultaneously ensuring the financial and longer-term sustainability of their core business. These initiatives can accelerate momentum within the private business to engage into such partnership with local communities at sources. • Mirroring clauses in FTA The concept of mirroring clauses should be discussed within the Chapter on Sustainable Food System, negotiated in new Free Trade Agreements. Introduced in 2021 by the EU Commission when negotiating or revising FTAs, this Chapter seems an appropriate basis to negotiate environmental and social aspects. It currently includes cooperation in areas such as antimicrobial resistance or pesticides use, but the scope could be enlarged if agreed with the trading partner. We believe this would be the right way forward, promoting more sustainability while maintaining predictability and legal certainty for trading partners, businesses and civil society alike. More details can be found in the enclosed position paper.
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Meeting with Caroline Boeshertz (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis) and FoodDrinkEurope and

15 Nov 2021 · Implementation of Decree 248 by the Chinese Customs Administration

Response to Sustainable food system – setting up an EU framework

26 Oct 2021

Please find CEEV contribution here below and attached in more detail 1. Sustainability definition to cover its tripe dimension and to be harmonized internationally -Sustainability has 3 pillars (eco, social & environmental) and all of them shall be considered, not only the environmental one -Common (harmonized) definition to be based on existing agreed definition at international level: FAO, or more specifically for wine, the OIV -No food sector shall be tagged as un-sustainable per se, its sustainability should be assess at the light of the production system and process 2. Built up on sustainable practices already in place -Several sustainable practice are already in place in the wine sector and they should be the starting point -EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices recently adopted should be considered as one of the main recent and very concrete deliverables of the F2F, and a starting point -The combination of robust legislation and ambitious voluntary actions implemented by the EU food chain actors should be recognized. 3. Sustainability and food security shall be achieved hand in hand -Environmental sustainability should not happen at the detriment of access and affordability of food to consumers but rather it should go hand in hand and based on cooperation and collaboration to improve production systems 4.Trade as a vector to increase sustainability -Trade plays an important part by matching supply and demand and ensuring the best possible valorization of agri-products, thereby increasing the efficiency of the market and the long-term socio-economic sustainability of EU wine regions -In today’s globalized world, a holistic view of environmental footprint of food systems is necessary, taking into account international, regional and locally produced remembering that local is not always synonymous with better environmental performance. 5. EU to pave the way to more sustainability through cooperation (including all levels, i.e. local, regional, national, EU and finally international one) – not imposition of rules -The EU should continue to be a guarantor of WTO framework and EU Sustainability standards shall be WTO compliant -We support the inclusion of a Sustainable Food Chapter in the current negotiations on FTA with trading partners, that paves the way for closer and comprehensive collaboration and cooperation on the reduction of pesticides. Collaboration with trading partners is the way forward, to avoid imposition of unilateral rules that would eventually translate in trade frictions or even trade retaliations’ measures that would finally impact EU exports 6.Sustainability shall be raised globally to guarantee level playing field -EU should pave the way to raise standards globally through its engagement in international forum and in standards organisations. -Raising standards globally is needed to guarantee playing field for producers and operators in the EU but also globally 7. Give time to recent and upcoming legislation on sustainability and voluntary measures on sustainability to deliver – then assessment if further actions are needed -A number of legislations are on the table to drive the shift towards more sustainability: due diligence; deforestation; GSP scheme includes criteria for sustainability; marketing standards are being reviewed to include sustainability; the promotion policy for agri-food products will be reviewed to bring more sustainability -It is recommended to see how they deliver and the magnitude of delivery on sustainability before adding another layer of legislation 8. Future sustainability labelling framework – need to be harmonized, transparent and recognized voluntary schemes and digital communication -Future labelling framework should be based on clear harmonized rules to protect Single market and on existing initiatives. It should be developed in collaboration with all stakeholders - Digital communication shall be part of the communication approach
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Response to Revision of Food Information to Consumers for what concerns labelling rules on alcoholic beverages

16 Jul 2021

CEEV CONTRIBUTION TO EC ROADMAP ON ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES LABELLING IN FIC REGULATION REVISION Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) represents the wine and aromatized wine companies in the industry and trade in the European Union. It brings together 23 national organisations from 12 EU Member States and its members produce and market the great majority of quality European wines, with and without a geographical indication, and account for over 90% of European wine exports. We reiterate our commitment to providing consumers with relevant, clear and easy to understand information, improving their knowledge about wine and aromatised wine products, and empowering them to make informed decisions on the products they choose to consume within a balanced lifestyle. 1. Purpose and scope – Maintain the application of lex specialis as agreed under the CAP Considering that Article 16(4) of FIC Regulation exempts alcoholic beverages above 1.2% abv from the mandatory indication of the list of ingredients and nutrition declaration, the EU wine sector requested proactively to EU policy-makers to develop mandatory provisions on nutritional declaration and list of ingredients for wines and aromatised wine products. In this respect, the European Parliament and the Council have agreed to include specific rules, in the framework of the CAP post-2020 reform, on wine Common Market Organisation and in the EU regulation for aromatised wine products. We, therefore, call the European Commission to acknowledge co-legislators’ decision and to exclude wines and aromatised wine products from the scope of the revision of the FIC on this particular topic. 2. Content of the rules – Maintain the specific provisions as agreed under the CAP The rules agreed by co-legislators in the framework of the CAP reform, appropriately consider the specificity of the wine and aromatised wine products sectors and the special characteristics of these products and their system of product to avoid market fragmentation, competitiveness distortion while providing consumers with relevant information in a transparent way. Considering the structure of the wine sector, dominated by micro and small companies, and the heterogeneity of the products produced by every wine company, to ensure a level playing field amongst food business operators across the sectors, it is of upmost importance to maintain the existing rules agreed for wines. While requesting the mandatory communication of the list of ingredients and the full nutrition declaration in line with the general rules of FIC, co-legislators approach includes some adapted ad hoc rules such as the language-free communication of the energy content to avoid market fragmentation and the multiplication of labels. They also foresee the development of secondary legislation to provide further rules concerning wine list of ingredients. 3. New ways to provide information to consumers - use of digital tools Co-legislators agreed to authorize the use of digital tools (e-labels) for the provision of the list of ingredients and nutrition declaration under certain conditions (among others the mandatory presence on the label of the energy content and the reference to allergenic substances). Digital information has the potential to improve consumers information while reducing market fragmentation. The use of e-labels to inform consumers, as a complement and an alternative to label, helps to ensure a high degree of adaptability for economic operators, providing them with a flexibility that could particularly help reduce the burden for SMEs. This flexibility is especially important for the wine sector. In parallel, e-labels seem to be best fit to help consumers to consult detailed, tailored and up-to-date information, in their own language, while avoiding disruption of trade flows.
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Response to Cross-border acquisitions of excise goods by private individuals

5 Jan 2021

CEEV abstract contribution. The full contribution is in the file attached. 1 ABOUT CEEV Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV) represents the EU wine companies in the industry and trade. It brings together 23 national organisations from 12 EU MS, plus Switzerland and Ukraine, as well as a consortium of 4 leading European wine companies. 2 KEY MESSAGES Please find hereunder CEEV feedback of the public consultation based on the information presented by the European Commission in the inception impact assessment. CEEV is supportive of the status quo with a better enforcement of current legislation without changes in the guide levels. The promotion of awareness campaigns could contribute to reduce the risk of fraud. CEEV believes in the importance of ensuring the good functioning of the single market (free movement of goods principle and the principle of non-discrimination) In relation to health concerns focus should be put of harmful use of alcohol and not on consumption per se. 3 SPECIFIC COMMENTS • Risk of fraud o Better enforcement of existing legislation CEEV acknowledges that there are some situations of fraud, as regards acquisition by private individuals’ arrangements. A minority of people might purchase excise goods in another Member State, where these products are less taxed, for commercial purpose back in their country (e.g. re-selling or supplying their restaurants/bars). These residual fraudulent actions should be tackled down through the enforcement of existing rules and controls. We do not consider that the thresholds themselves are problematic, nor that their revision will have an impact on fraudulent actions. CEEV is thus supporting a better enforcement of the existing rules to avoid fraud. o Fraud may also not be intentional as cross border shoppers do not always know the rules. If the population was more aware about the existing thresholds, rules and penalties in case of fraud, they might be more likely to respect the rules. CEEV believes that the promotion of awareness campaigns could contribute to reduce the risk of fraud. • Ensure the good functioning of Single Market When considering and exploring potential policy options, it would be essential for the EC to ensure that these options are in line with the EU legislation. These options should not hinder the good functioning of the Single Market, the free movement of people and goods principle, nor the principle of non-discrimination (especially on grounds of nationality). • Focus on harmful use of alcohol The document suggests that any kind of alcohol consumption (in excess or in moderation, regardless the drinking and dietary patterns) is linked to an increase in health services to be provided to consumers. It would be worth noting that increased health risks are linked to harmful use of alcohol (regular excessive drinking or binge drinking) out of a healthy lifestyle). Drinking wine in moderation on a regular basis during the week within meals and adopting a balanced diet such as the Mediterranean one is not linked to any health risk increase while the consumption of the same amount of alcohol during the weekend without meals is linked to negative health effects. The vast majority of the population is consuming wine responsibly and should not be penalised by unjustified tax increases. Harmful consumption of alcohol should be tackled within specific actions targeting the groups at risk, e.g. through education campaigns. The national pro capita consumption indicator is useless to understand national trends related to harmful use of alcohol. • Impact of alcohol taxation increase on illegal market and use of harmful alternatives Alcohol tax increases will mainly impact responsible drinkers, the vast majority of the population, and alcohol abusers will tend to look for alternatives. Taxation increase may lead to the increase of illicit alcohol trade and substitution to harmful alternative with negative consequences on consumers health
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Meeting with Catherine Geslain-Laneelle (Cabinet of Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski)

19 May 2020 · To discuss proposals on the various subjects open for viticulture in the current context.

Response to Farm to Fork Strategy

16 Mar 2020

Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins - CEEV represents the wine and aromatized wine companies in the industry and trade in the EU. It brings together 23 national organisations. Its members produce and market most quality EU wines, with and without GI, and account for over 90% of EU wine exports. CEEV welcomes the opportunity to share the wine sector’s vision on the Farm to Fork Strategy (F2FS) and confirms its support to initiatives aimed at improving sustainability in the food supply chain from production to consumption and will continue to elaborate individual initiatives. INTRO As it cannot be relocated, the wine sector plays a key role in preserving rural areas and achieving environmental goals. A major challenge for our sector is the sustainability of its supply chain from economic, social and environmental point of views. While our sector is already committed to improve the sustainability and traceability of its products from vineyard to consumer, the farm-to-fork approach is key to ease the transition towards more sustainable systems and to address the growing demand for product’s safety and better information. CONTRUBUTION 1. Relevant issues to focus on a. Resilience of the wine sector to the impact of climate change b. Sustainable use of pesticides and fertilizers in vineyards c. Winemaking efficiency: reduction of GHG emission, energy, water and waste management d. Communication to consumers to allow them to make sustainable decisions 2. Challenges to be considered a. Use strong scientific evidence as basis for policy recommendations b. Consider the triple-bottom-line of sustainability: economic, social and environmental c. Develop and promote production systems flexible enough to adapt to different realities of the EU wine sector d. Provide consumers with relevant information 3. Main gaps and areas of work for a complete implementation of a successful F2FS a. Support research in the following fields:  Adapt producing practices to ensure the maintenance of sustainability, quality and terroir (as defined in OIV Resolution VITI 333/2010) of the wines  Improve plant protection and reduce the use of plant protection products to decrease environmental and social impacts  Better use grapevine genetic resources thanks to conservation, exploitation and improvement of the genetic diversity between and within its varieties by focusing value generation while stopping genetic erosion  Energy and CO2 balance, including the role of vineyard as carbon sink, to design best practices for climate change mitigation in different types of wineries  Circular economy b. Better understand the efficiency and limitation of information to be shared with consumers 4. Keys for successful implementation of the future F2FS a. Assess and promote sustainable production practices, including organic ones, integrated viticulture  Lean on decades of wine production know-how and research on viticulture sustainability  Introduce specific measures facilitating wine producers’ access to new tools for a more environmentally sustainable production b. Develop new ways to inform consumers, including through digital tools  Digital provision of information allows to communicate more efficiently and in a personalized way to consumers but also reduce packaging waste and shipping costs. To do so, all operators (micro, SME or large) should be able to use and benefit from digital ICT. CEEV is developing a digital e-label platform to provide consumers with accurate information in the most efficient way  Principles should be established on how to communicate information through digital tools 5. General principles for the efficient development and implementation of the F2FS a. Strengthen the coherence and governance coordination of all EU policies with potential impact on the food chain b. Continue dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure the feasibility and adaptability of future measures c. Ensure that policy recommendations at EU level be sience-based.
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Response to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan

2 Mar 2020

CEEV represents the wine and aromatized wine companies in the industry and trade in the EU. It gathers 23 national organisations. Its members produce and market the great majority of quality EU wines and account for over 90% of European wine exports. A.1. Context CEEV welcomes the EC’s decision to involve non-state actors in the development of the EU Cancer Plan and wishes to reaffirm its strong commitment to support any action aimed at reducing harmful use of alcohol and promote balance lifestyles. While heavy or excessive consumption of alcohol beverages can have a harmful impact on health and is clearly associated with increased morbidity and mortality from some forms of cancer and other diseases, a moderate consumption of alcohol can indeed be part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle, such as the Mediterranean diet, and may have a number of positive and protective effects on health, including reducing the risk of cancers. A.2. Problems the initiative aims to tackle Any action should be based on scientific evidence and be considered to achieve the given goals. ― Risk associated with excessive drinking • Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and binge drinking patterns are clearly associated with increased morbidity and mortality from several forms of cancer and other diseases. ― Moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages • Even a moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages can be associated with some cancers when considering alcohol in isolation. However, when wine consumption is considered as part of a healthy lifestyle (including regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, a normal weight, non-smoking), the risk is not increased and may even be decreased. • There is consistent scientific evidence of moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and dementia. ― Healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, including a moderate consumption of wine, can have positive health effects • Adopting a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, has positive and protective effects on health, including reducing the risk of cancer. • A light to moderate consumption of wine can be part of such healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, without increasing the total cancer risk but rather decreasing it. • Drinking patterns are also important: it is best to drink wine in moderation, with meals, alternating with water and to avoid binge drinking. B. What does the initiative aim to achieve and how The initiative should focus on the following objectives: - Prevent and further reduce abusive and harmful consumption of alcoholic beverages - Promote a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, which can include a moderate consumption of wine To reach these aims, the following ideas should be taken into consideration: - Promote educational initiatives on responsible drinking patterns such as the Wine in Moderation programme - Implement communication and information campaigns at local, national and multinational level on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, which can include moderate wine consumption - Promote truthful and science-based information to consumers, also by means of digital tools - Develop specific measures targeting groups at risk - Acknowledge that consumption taxes such as excise duties are inefficient in tackling alcohol abuse, as they do not distinguish between excessive and responsible drinking and therefore impact on all consumers including moderate ones, instead of targeting heavy drinkers. Consumption taxes can even have an adverse effect by increasing unrecorded alcohol and affecting those who consume moderately. - Suggest a flexible set of actions, to be adjusted as needed by each Member State depending on their priorities and specificities, and involve the private sector in the implementation of these actions, to ensure the whole-of-society multi-stakeholders approach needed to fight cancer.
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Meeting with Cristina Rueda Catry (Cabinet of Commissioner Phil Hogan)

9 Dec 2019 · Airbus/Boeing dispute and impact on the wine sector

Meeting with Sabine Weyand (Director-General Trade)

2 Jul 2019 · State of play of trade negotiations

Meeting with Cristina Rueda Catry (Cabinet of Commissioner Phil Hogan)

23 May 2019 · Agriculture issues

Meeting with Anne Bucher (Director-General Health and Food Safety)

14 Feb 2019 · introductory visit

Meeting with Miguel Ceballos Baron (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

22 Jan 2019 · Trade relations with Japan, Canada, USA, Mercosur

Meeting with Phil Hogan (Commissioner)

22 Jan 2019 · Agri Matters

Meeting with Inga Preikšienė (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis), Nathalie Chaze (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis) and Federación Española del Vino

21 Jan 2019 · Alcohol labelling , responsible consumption

Response to Oenological practices authorised in the European Union (delegated rules)

18 Jan 2019

The Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to comment on the draft Regulation. We would like to raise 2 comments on the draft regulation: 1. Footnote 4 included for Table 2 of Part A of ANNEX I It shall be clarified that Column 9 indicates the final products aimed to be produced and for which production process, the substance is authorised.  This explanation will clarify that the absence of reference to category 10 (must) in column 9 will not preclude the use of the substance on the must for the production of a wine; this absence of reference shall only mean that the substance is not authorised for the production of must.  It will also clarify that tannins (5.12 and 6.4), PVPP (5.16), CMC (6.11) or Lactic acid bacteria (9.2) can be used on the must for the production of wine. 2. Line 6.11 (CMC) of Table 2 of Part A of ANNEX I The treatment shall be authorised also for the production of red wines as we do not see the necessity to reduce the flexibility offered by the actual legal framework (it is the case now under Regulation 606/2009) in order to stick rigidly to the OIV recommendations.
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Meeting with Jerzy Bogdan Plewa (Director-General Agriculture and Rural Development) and European Federation of Origin Wines and

5 Jul 2018 · Exchange of view on wine market

Response to Protected designations of origin and geographical indications, traditional terms and labelling of wine

12 Jun 2018

I'm submitting a comment on behalf of the Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV), the organisation representing the interest of the EU wine industry and trade. We thank the Commission for the opportunity given to provide comments on this important piece of legislation for the EU wine sector. We would like to raise one point concerning the final draft prepared by the Commission. It concerns the possibility for EU sparkling wine, quality sparkling wine and quality aromatic sparkling wine producers to use packaging material other than glass for the marketing of small bottles in third countries. In its current state, the regulation would limit the capacity of these EU wine producers to respond to some tenders in for example the aviation catering sector in 3rd countries. With this in mind, we would like to propose the Commission to consider the amendment of Article 57 (Article 69 R 607/2009) - Rules on presentation for certain grapevine products - , by adding a new paragraph under point 2 of the article. This new paragraph would state that Member States may decide that sparkling wine, quality sparkling wine, quality aromatic sparkling wine produced within the Union may be packaged in containers with a nominal volume content not exceeding 0,20 litre and in other material than glass when: ‐ exported outside the European Union; and/or ‐ sold for consumption in aircrafts, ships or trains which origin and/or destination is outside the EU. This amendment would allow our companies to participate in international call for tenders without impacting the marketing of our products within the Single Market. We tahnk in advance the Commission for considering our proposal.
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Meeting with Marika Lautso-Mousnier (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

24 May 2018 · EU Single market and Wine self-regulation on ingredients and nutrition

Meeting with Cristina Rueda Catry (Cabinet of Commissioner Phil Hogan)

24 May 2018 · Commission’s budget proposal and the future CAP

Meeting with Jean-Luc Demarty (Director-General Trade)

23 Apr 2018 · EU wines in Canada, China and Mercosur

Meeting with Nathalie Chaze (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis) and European farmers and

10 Apr 2018 · Alcohol labelling

Meeting with Vytenis Andriukaitis (Commissioner) and

12 Mar 2018 · Alcohol labelling

Response to Evaluation of the CAP measures applicable to the wine sector

6 Dec 2017

Dear Sir/Madam, You will find attached CEEV feedback on the roadmap. We remain at your disposal if you need any clarification.
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Meeting with Phil Hogan (Commissioner)

15 Dec 2016 · Agri Issues

Meeting with Christian Burgsmueller (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström), Maria Asenius (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

8 Nov 2016 · General Trade Policy / market access for wine & beverages

Meeting with Cristina Rueda Catry (Cabinet of Commissioner Phil Hogan)

27 May 2016 · wine regulation

Meeting with Cristina Rueda Catry (Cabinet of Commissioner Phil Hogan)

17 Nov 2015 · The future of the promotion policy and labeling of wine

Meeting with Edward Bannerman (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen) and spiritsEUROPE

5 Oct 2015 · Trade policy