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spiritsEUROPE

spiritsEUROPE

spiritsEUROPE represents the spirits industry and national associations at the European level.

Lobbying Activity

Meeting with Barry Cowen (Member of the European Parliament)

21 Jan 2026 · Meeting with SpiritsEurope

Meeting with Francisco Assis (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Jan 2026 · Política comercial/Acordo UE-Mercosul

Meeting with Stefano Bonaccini (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Jan 2026 · Meeting with SpiritsEurope

spiritsEUROPE defends self-regulation in EU audiovisual media review

18 Dec 2025
Topic — Evaluation and potential revision of the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive.
Message — The organization insists that the current legal framework is fit for purpose and should not be reopened. They recommend non-legislative guidance for influencer marketing instead of new regulations. They argue that existing self-regulation remains critical for protecting minors.123
Why — Preventing new legislation avoids administrative complexity and reduces potential compliance costs for spirits producers.45
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Meeting with Diego Canga Fano (Acting Deputy Director-General Agriculture and Rural Development)

4 Dec 2025 · Promotion policy

Meeting with Catherine Combette (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development) and Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins

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

Meeting with Eric Sargiacomo (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

19 Nov 2025 · Spiritueux

Meeting with Barry Cowen (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair)

19 Nov 2025 · Speaking at SpiritsEurope Annual Congress

Meeting with Barry Cowen (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair)

13 Nov 2025 · Meeting with SpiritsEurope

Spirits industry calls for simplified EU food safety rules

10 Oct 2025
Topic — EU proposal to simplify food and feed safety regulations and reduce administrative burden.
Message — The organization requests simplified regulations, digital compliance systems to replace paper documentation, and clearer rules on Maximum Residue Levels for botanicals used in spirits production.123
Why — This would reduce compliance costs and enable faster innovation in spirit drinks production.45
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Meeting with Elena Panichi (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development)

8 Oct 2025 · Spirits and Agricultural Dialogue – Trade session.

Meeting with Diego Canga Fano (Acting Deputy Director-General Agriculture and Rural Development) and

30 Sept 2025 · Exchange of views as regards the obligation to indicate the name of the producer in the label in the same field of vision of the spirit drinks GIs.

Spirits industry backs EU nature credits to reward farm biodiversity

29 Sept 2025
Topic — EU framework for voluntary nature credits to incentivise biodiversity and ecosystem investment.
Message — The organization requests nature credits reward demonstrable positive actions that protect and restore nature, not offset damage elsewhere. They want a single EU market with clear boundaries, flexibility for local contexts, and standards applied to imports with robust safeguards.123
Why — This would provide farmers additional income while offering companies verifiable sustainability investments across supply chains.45
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Spirits industry urges nuanced approach to alcohol in CVD plan

11 Sept 2025
Topic — EU plan to improve cardiovascular health through prevention, early detection and treatment.
Message — spiritsEUROPE advocates for evidence-based communication and targeted interventions focused on harmful drinking rather than blanket restrictions. They argue policy should recognize that moderate consumption is culturally embedded and that most Europeans drink moderately, with harmful drinking indicators declining.123
Why — This would allow continued moderate consumption without restrictive regulations affecting their market.456
Impact — Public health advocates lose stronger warnings about alcohol's cardiovascular risks for all drinkers.78
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Meeting with Elena Panichi (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development) and FoodDrinkEurope

25 Jun 2025 · State of Play of the situation between the EU and the US

Meeting with Dora Correia (Director Trade)

19 Jun 2025 · EU-Philippines FTA negotiations

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 […]”.

Meeting with Zala Tomašič (Member of the European Parliament)

3 Jun 2025 · United in Moderation Award

spiritsEUROPE supports excluding used casks from deforestation rules

13 May 2025
Topic — Regulation amending the scope of wood products under the EU Deforestation Regulation.
Message — They endorse the exemption for used and second-hand wooden barrels. This change provides legal certainty for producers relying on imported spirit casks.12
Why — It prevents potential supply chain disruptions and higher costs for European distillers.3
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Meeting with Pierre Bascou (Deputy Director-General Agriculture and Rural Development)

3 Apr 2025 · Introduction of the new DG (by interim) of sE and of the main current concern issues for the spirit drinks sector

Meeting with Elisabetta Siracusa (Director Agriculture and Rural Development)

2 Apr 2025 · Exchange of views on the current geopolitical situation regarding US tariffs, markets and the Vision for EU agriculture

Meeting with Leopoldo Rubinacci (Deputy Director-General Trade)

25 Mar 2025 · Market situation of the Spirits industry

Meeting with Arash Saeidi (Member of the European Parliament)

18 Mar 2025 · Echange de point de vue

Meeting with Eric Sargiacomo (Member of the European Parliament)

18 Mar 2025 · Vins et spiritueux

Meeting with Chiara Galiffa (Cabinet of Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič)

18 Mar 2025 · EU spirits industry

Meeting with Valérie Hayer (Member of the European Parliament) and EURODOM and

24 Feb 2025 · Divers

spiritsEUROPE urges removal of mandatory producer name labeling rules

20 Feb 2025
Topic — This consultation proposes amendments to strengthen farmers' bargaining positions in food supply chains.
Message — The group seeks a review of rules requiring producer names on labels. They request the deletion of Article 37(5) to protect established business models. Alternatively, they advocate for a flexible interpretation allowing suppliers to remain anonymous.12
Why — This would protect unique brand identities and maintain vital revenue for producers.3
Impact — Independent brand owners and SMEs would face business failure without supplier anonymity.45
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Meeting with Elisabetta Siracusa (Director Agriculture and Rural Development) and

3 Feb 2025 · Introduce spiritsEUROPE and their trade roadmap to new appointed Director Agri.G

Meeting with Luis Carazo Jimenez (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development) and Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

31 Jan 2025 · EU-US Spirits Trade Relations & cooperation in the spirits sector

spiritsEUROPE Urges Commission to Tackle Unilateral National Trade Barriers

24 Jan 2025
Topic — The Single Market Strategy aims to remove regulatory barriers and promote cross-border trade.
Message — The EU must adopt a more rigorous approach to challenging unilateral national actions that undermine the single market. They propose using digital labelling to provide consumer information without creating excessive administrative burdens. The Commission should intervene in specific cases in Ireland, Spain, Finland, and Sweden to ensure fair treatment.12
Why — This would reduce compliance costs and prevent discrimination against distilled spirits in Nordic markets.34
Impact — Member States lose the power to implement sovereign public health and environmental labelling requirements.56
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Meeting with Leopoldo Rubinacci (Deputy Director-General Trade)

21 Jan 2025 · Spirits Europe Trade strategy

Meeting with Catherine Combette (Head of Unit Agriculture and Rural Development) and Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins 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

Meeting with András Tivadar Kulja (Member of the European Parliament)

2 Dec 2024 · Intorductory meeting, discussion about the industry

Response to Evaluation of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement

29 Oct 2024

spiritsEUROPE welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the call for evidence for the evaluation of the EU-Japan EPA. Please find attached our detailed position paper. We remain at the Commission's disposal for any further information.
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Meeting with Aurelijus Veryga (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Oct 2024 · Discussion about the labelling of alcoholic beverages, consumer information on alcoholic beverages, the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases

Meeting with Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Oct 2024 · Alcohol policy

Response to Negotiations with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi-Arabia and United Arab Emirates

30 Sept 2024

spiritsEUROPE (www.spirits.eu) represents the interests of spirits producers in Europe. Our members include 30 national associations and 11 leading companies from all over Europe. spiritsEUROPE welcomes the Commissions call for evidence for an initiative recommending a Council Decision authorising the opening of bilateral negotiations with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This should be seen as an essential component to the EU's diversification strategy and a way of reinforcing the existing strategic partnership with the region. As the EU-GCC region-to-region FTA negotiations have been suspended for more than 15 years, the EU spirits sector would recommend that the European Union pursue bilateral negotiations with the Gulf countries. In particular, as suggested in the call for evidence, we agree that these agreements should include advanced trade provisions that improve market access for EU companies and create a more favourable business environment. spiritsEUROPE respects the religious and cultural sensitivities around alcohol in the Gulf countries. Several countries in the region allow the sale and consumption of alcohol (Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)) and despite the strict controls on alcohol consumption in the region, we see real opportunities for our products. EU spirits direct exports to the region were worth almost 177 million in 2023, with most of these exports being destined for the United Arab Emirates, which is our 9th biggest export market globally, due to its large expat community and premium tourist destinations. There are several areas the EU can address in negotiations to facilitate business and export opportunities for EU spirits producers while also respecting religious sensitivities. These include ensuring reasonable access to alcohol for the tourism and hospitality sectors, and the expat community. On top of elimination of tariffs - which currently range from 50% to 125% for EU spirits, we believe that negotiations should focus on supporting a more open market through regulatory dialogue, notably on licensing, cooperation in the fight against illicit trade and better IPR protection, and on improving the ease of doing business in the Gulf region by facilitating intra-region trade & freight movements - paving the way for broader regional integration. We stand ready to expand on these priorities as requested.
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Meeting with Michael Hager (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

18 Sept 2024 · China’s anti-dumping investigation

spiritsEUROPE Urges Removal of Remaining Canadian Spirit Trade Barriers

25 Apr 2024
Topic — Evaluation of the five-year impact of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
Message — The organization calls for the elimination of discriminatory mark-ups and fees favoring local producers. They also request the resolution of technical errors in geographical indications and the removal of burdensome labeling requirements.123
Why — Fairer market access would reduce compliance costs and prevent the exclusion of small producers.45
Impact — Local Canadian producers would lose the financial advantage provided by discriminatory provincial pricing structures.6
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Meeting with Janusz Wojciechowski (Commissioner) and

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

Meeting with Miriam Garcia Ferrer (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

21 Feb 2024 · global market access for spirits; state of play of FTA negotiations

Meeting with Zaneta Vegnere (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

8 Nov 2023 · EU-China Working Group on Spirits and follow up to the High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue

Meeting with Caroline Boeshertz (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis) and Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins and European Container Glass Federation

2 May 2023 · Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Meeting with Salvatore De Meo (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

24 Apr 2023 · PPWR

Meeting with Salvatore De Meo (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur) and The Coca-Cola Company and

2 Mar 2023 · PPWR

Meeting with Álvaro Amaro (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

20 Feb 2023 · Indicações Geográficas e as bebedidas espirituosas

Response to New Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean

9 Feb 2023

The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is a regional bloc of 33 sovereign countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, with a combined population of about 600 million inhabitants and a combined GDP of US$ 3 trillion. The IMF forecast for Latin America & the Caribbeans for 2023 & 2024 is above the forecasts for both the EU & the US. In addition, 16 members of CELAC are among the worlds top 100 touristic destinations. The EU already has strong economic ties with Latin America & the Caribbeans (LAC). The EU also has a competitive advantage in the region by being the first to conclude an agreement with Andean countries and could reinforce this competitive advantage by finalising & ratifying its agreement with Mercosur countries benefiting from a first-mover position. In addition, the EU is a significant investor in Latin America: EU foreign direct investment in Latin America amounts to 758 billion, which is more than the total of EU investment in China, India, Japan and Russia combined. In the spirits sector, many EU companies have substantial investment in the LAC region. Geopolitically, the EU, Latin America and the Caribbeans combine almost one-third of the votes at the UN and include seven members of the G20, reinforcing the importance of a close partnership between the EU & LAC. These elements confirm the place of LAC as a key element in the EUs geopolitical & trade diversification strategies (both for exporters and for the import of critical raw materials). LATAM & the Caribbeans place in EU spirits diversification strategy With the combined effects of the COVID-19 crisis, the war in Ukraine and increasing geopolitical tensions, export-focused sectors such as EU spirits are under intense pressure to diversify their export destinations in order to increase their resilience. This is a must if EU spirits are to continue supporting jobs and growth in Europe especially in rural communities amidst an increasingly unpredictable and challenging global context. While EU spirits can be enjoyed worldwide, the bulk of EU spirits exports in value tends to be concentrated in a limited number of markets: in 2021, 60% of these exports were destined for only 3 markets (USA, China and the UK). While replacing these established markets is neither possible nor desirable, greater diversification through new opportunities would strengthen the EU spirits sectors resilience focusing on emerging regions with high potential. EU spirits trade with CELAC: an overview In 2021, the value of EU spirits combined exports to CELAC reached 285.86 million. Within the region and when considering direct exports from the EU, the top 10 export destinations for EU spirits were as follows: 1. Mexico: 78.7 million 2. Panama: 44.84 million (to note that Panama is a hub for the wider region) 3. Chile: 39.11 million 4. Brazil: 23.18 million 5. Colombia: 13.26 million 6. Uruguay: 13.23 million 7. Argentina: 10.99 million 8. Dominican Republic: 10.94 million 9. Peru: 7.41 million 10. Suriname: 7.17 million. While the EU already has FTAs or spirits-specific agreements with most of these countries, no such agreement exists at present with the Mercosur region in spite of its evident potential. In order to harness the growth potential and export opportunities in LAC, we call on the EU to focus on a four-pillar strategy and: 1. Ratify without delays the trade agreements with Mercosur & Mexico 2. Secure the conditions for fair competition between EU spirits exporters & local producers in Latin America & the Caribbeans 3. Intensify regulatory cooperation with LAC countries to address and prevent regulatory barriers building, when available, on existing bi-lateral fora under EU agreements 4. Initiate a dialogue with countries in the LAC region to fight illicit trade. The attached paper presents more detailed ideas and proposals on each of these four priorities.
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Meeting with Christine Schneider (Member of the European Parliament)

1 Feb 2023 · Farm to Fork

Meeting with Joanna Stawowy (Cabinet of Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski)

12 Jan 2023 · Digital labelling of alcoholic beverages

Meeting with Arnaud Danjean (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur for opinion)

12 Oct 2022 · Réunion préparatoire Indications géographiques

Response to Evaluation of the rates and structures of excise duty on alcohol and alcoholic beverages

4 Jul 2022

Excise duties are indirect taxes on specific goods, such as alcoholic beverages, that must be paid at purchase/consumption by the manufacturer/retailer/importer/ principally designed to generate revenues to governments. Usually, excise duties are passed on to the consumer. The rates of excise duties are harmonised at EU level by means of minimum rates, which Member States are free to apply individually if the excise duty rate is equal or above the minimum rate. Minimum excise duty rates are expected to contribute to the proper functioning of the EU single market. EU Member States agreed on common EU rules to make sure that excise duties are applied in the same way and to the same products everywhere in the Union. This should help prevent trade distortions in the Single Market, should ensure fair competition between businesses, and should reduce administrative burdens for companies. However, this is not the case today and Member States levy different rates of excise duty for the same product category: The resulting unbalanced excise duty policies do not optimise revenues, do not enable consumers to make informed choices, nor do they help to protect the most vulnerable population groups adequately from alcohol misuse. Instead, current excise duty rate levels discriminate against spirits drinks to the advantage of other, competing categories of alcoholic beverages. Further, they penalise moderate consumers of spirits drinks. The minimum excise duty rates directive sets out a significantly lower minimum excise duty rates for beer compared to spirits drinks and a zero rate for wine. Since beer, wine and spirits drinks are substitutes, the minimum excise duty rates directive provides a massive competitive advantage to wine and beer. Rather than ensuring fair competition between businesses, it distorts it. The current excise structures regime features a huge discrepancy with regards to its treatment of small distillers when compared to small brewers/cider makers: small brewers are allowed to produce 1,000 times the amount of pure alcohol that start-up distillers can produce before the full excise rates apply. The ongoing revision presents a unique opportunity to close this widening discriminatory gap in terms of reduced excise duty rates which exists between craft cider-makers/brewers on the one hand, and craft distillers on the other. The SME community in the spirits sector clearly deserves to benefit from structurally similar rules as the SME producers of cider and beer. As it is the ethanol that should be taxed, not the beverage, the fact that ‘all drinks are equal’ needs to be reflected in alcohol tax rates. Also, moderate consumption is a practice and not linked to any specific alcoholic beverage - the alcoholic strength (ABV) of the drink itself makes no difference in that regard: all drinks are equal and can be consumed responsibly. Therefore, excise duties for different alcoholic beverages should be structurally equal, as consumers could otherwise switch to cheaper beverages with no added benefit in terms of product quality or health. A high degree of fairness and non-discrimination between the different alcoholic beverages categories must be a guiding principle in alcohol taxation. If any adjustments to current excise duty rates were needed, they should aim to decrease on the ground the existing gap between different categories of alcoholic beverages, which exists since 1992 and disadvantages spirits drinks compared to all other categories of alcoholic beverages. The balancing act in the field of taxation is to support tackling harmful use without penalising moderate drinkers and optimise government revenues without hampering competition or driving illicit trade.
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Response to Revision of the EU geographical indications(GI) systems in agricultural products and foodstuffs, wines and spirit drinks

20 Jun 2022

On 31 March 2022, the EU COM’s DG AGRI presented its proposal for a regulation on EU Geographical Indications (GIs), also encompassing the ca. 250 GI spirit drinks. We welcome the opportunity to provide feedback and would like to stress key messages on 4 areas: 1. Producer Groups: • spiritsEUROPE welcomes the European Commission’s intention to empower producer groups. It is common practice that trade associations, who are private voluntary bodies, act successfully as producer groups and apply criteria for membership.  It should remain to be for the producer group to decide which powers it can exercise; not for Member States to set the parameters for the producer group’s governance or the powers it can exercise. This would amount to state interference in private entities.  Producer members who pay membership fees control the producer group. • Whilst indeed many spirit drinks GI producers are SMEs, also non-SMEs play a role in the production and world-wide promotion of GI products. • An EU wide right for producer groups to take legal proceedings before the civil courts, and to claim damages/illegal profits on behalf of its producer members, should be specifically provided. • The European Commission distinguishes between producer groups and recognized producer groups, the latter only applying to groups established within the EU, which has significant, undesired implications for non-EU producer groups. 2. Sustainability is one of the key driver for our sector and considerable investments to increase our product’s overall sustainability performance deliver results (see our Farm2Glass brochure here). SpiritsEUROPE and its members highlight that sustainable business practice can best be assessed at local level by local people - there is no one-size-fits-all solution.  We stress the need to integrate and acknowledge ongoing sustainability efforts across policy areas e.g. the revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, Sustainable Food Systems and the Code of Conduct on Responsible Business and Marketing.  We call on policy makers to maintain and strengthen the European Commission’s approach that sustainability efforts need to be and remain voluntary. 3. GI spirits are of high value and naturally are at risk of being subject to fraudulent activities. spiritsEUROPE and its members very much welcome the strengthening of the legal protection of GI spirits, especially online. However, several concepts referred to in the respective Articles would benefit from further clarifications.  The notion of evocation is very complex – especially concepts of proximity and confusion, which either needs to be reflected in legislation or the attempt of a definition needs to be reassessed  The proposal prohibits to use GI names and foot names, unless agreed by producer groups; however, the term food name remains undefined and the concept of producer group agreement needs to be specified  The production processes for GI spirits very widely across products and one single scheme to authorise producers as well as all production stages involved is via certification documents not sufficiently respected in the current proposal. The role of digital means needs to be explored. 4. SpiritsEUROPE welcomes modernizing the management of GIs. The delegation of specific, limited and strictly defined tasks to EUIPO can help in this attempt but  the powers and tasks that the EU COM may delegate to EUIPO need to be clearly defined and specified in the form of an exhaustive positive list and may include only non-essential tasks. Such a listing should also include powers that the European Commission cannot delegate.  the European Commission maintains the exclusive competence and responsibility for the registrations of GIs, at least (1) acceptance of applications and their publication; (2) oppositions; (3) cancellations and (4) amendments to the technical files.
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Response to Brain drain communication

7 Jun 2022

In the last decades, many areas in the EU have experienced “brain drain”, i.e., the depopulation of rural areas, and particularly the departure of young, highly skilled workers from the countryside to urban areas. The reasons and negative socio-economic consequences of these movements are evident and plentiful: young people tend to leave rural areas to seek education, cultural life and economic opportunities, leaving rural areas depopulated, aged and increasingly depleted of educational institutions, cultural life and striving businesses. This risks to undermine the long-term growth potential of the concerned regions and could open up greater regional divides across the EU. At the same time, rural depopulation can, in turn, also affect cities and urban conglomerations which may struggle with overcrowding, unemployment and exploding housing prices. Attracting people, including young and highly skilled workers, to the countryside and Europe’s rural areas will thus be of great strategic importance to sustain flourishing rural areas and limit the negativities associated with rural ‘brain drain’. Thanks to its rootedness in the countryside and its considerable economic footprint, Europe’s spirits sector can play a positive role in addressing and limiting the negative impacts of rural brain drains by supporting local economies and encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation, including highly skilled workers, in the countryside. Spirits are produced in all EU Member States, and the vast majority of distilleries and spirits production units are located in rural areas, including in remote mountain areas and islands. Spirits production is firmly integrated into local agricultural production chains and thus supports sustainable local biodiversity management. It is a high-value adding, competitive sector that requires a highly skilled, entrepreneurial workforce at the site of production. In Europe, around 250 spirits with Geographical Indications (GIs) are registered such as, for instance, Jenever, Cognac, Irish Whiskey, or Polish Vodka. Production of GI spirits is happening across the entire EU (see interactive map here: https://spirits.eu/geographical-indications). The GI status guarantees that the respective spirit drink can only be produced in dedicated, often very rural areas, delivering multiple local benefits including to primary producers (i.e. farmers). The beneficial role of GIs for rural communities has been duly recognized by the European Commission: “Operating geographical indications…benefits the rural economy, which is particularly the case in areas with natural or other specific constraints, such as mountain areas and the most remote regions, where the farming sector accounts for a significant part of the economy and production costs are high.” (Commission proposal 2022/0089 (COD), Recital 9). Another important element by which the spirits sector attracts growing visitor numbers to, and investment in, rural areas is spirits tourism, i.e., tourism related to the production and degustation of particular spirits. In the EU, spirits tourism has grown significantly in recent years and is predicted to increase sharply in the years to come. Regional tourism schemes, such as spirits tourism, can tackle both overcrowding in popular existing destinations and encourage tourism development in (rural) regions and thus stimulate regional economies (OECD, Tourism Trends and Policies 2020, pp. 113-116). As for any other tourists, spirits tourists do not only spend money on just spirits-related activities (e. g. visits of distilleries and cellars) but also on accommodation, food, transport, cultural activities, gifts etc. In light of the above, spiritsEUROPE calls on the Commission to consider and examine the positive role and contributions that sectors such as ours can play in halting and reversing rural brain drain developments and its negative economic consequences further as part of this initiative.
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Response to Application of EU health and environmental standards to imported agricultural and agri-food products

16 Mar 2022

spiritsEUROPE represents the interests of European spirits producers at EU level. We welcome the opportunity to take part in the call for evidence in relation to the application of EU health and environmental standards to imported agricultural and agri-food products. Please find attached our contribution which focuses on the following points: - our commitment to sustainability as a sector, - the need for global standards, rather than unilateral requirements, - the importance of enforceability and proportionality - the risk of retaliation by and further disputes with third countries, - and the impact on diversification, the EU's resilience and rural development in the EU. We remain at your disposal should you have any questions.
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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 Revision of Food Information to Consumers for what concerns labelling rules on alcoholic beverages

14 Jul 2021

spiritsEUROPE proudly represents one of Europe’s most valuable agri-food export sectors and, with it, the interests of 29 associations of spirits producers as well as 10 leading multinational companies. Our members are committed to provide clear and meaningful consumer information about their products. In terms of production processes and labelling rules, it is important to underline that spirit drinks are among the most tightly regulated food and drink products in the EU. The specific rules contained in Regulation 2019/787 guarantee a best-in-class level of protection and information for consumers when purchasing spirit drinks. As part of our commitment to provide European consumers with the information they are looking for, the spirits sector decided in 2019 to go well beyond the current legal requirements. Following close discussions with, and guidance from, the European Commission, spiritsEUROPE signed an ambitious, multi-annual self-regulatory commitment, the Memorandum of Understanding on Consumer Information (MoU) which contains clear, harmonized, long-term guidance on how nutrition information and ingredient listings will be provided to consumers on spirit drinks. According to the MoU, calorie information will appear on the bottles while comprehensive ingredients and nutritional information is made available through easy-to-use online tools so customers are further empowered to make informed and responsible choices. In the past two years, the European spirits sector has made significant financial investments to successfully implement the commitment. The 1st Progress Report published in May 2021 showed that the sector succeeded in ensuring that, by 31 December 2020, around 1 in 4 bottles already featured energy information, a share that is set to rise to 50% and 66% by the end of 2021 and 2022 respectively. In parallel, the sector also reported about rapid progress in developing bespoke digital consumer information tools. Against this background, spiritsEUROPE encourages the EU Commission to reflect the recently negotiated rules on consumer information for wine in the context of the CMO regulation under the CAP reform in the rules on the labelling of alcoholic beverages. The new rules include a mix of on-label and on-line information: Energy information shall be provided on-pack whilst other information shall be provided online. spiritsEUROPE welcomes this approach and asks for the same solution to apply for all alcoholic beverages above 1.2% ABV, in the sense of the Policy Option 1. Policy Option 1 is the most logical and sequential step to take when moving gradually from self-regulation to mandatory rules. It would seamlessly build on, and complete, the success of the MoU and acknowledge the significant efforts and financial investments made by all producers implementing the MoU. Moreover, Option 1 supports an aligned and harmonized regulatory framework of labelling rules at EU level for all alcoholic beverages above 1.2% ABV and the desired creation of a level playing field for all operators. An equal playing field across categories of alcoholic beverages is of paramount importance to ensure the free movement of goods on the EU’s Internal Market, to broaden consumer choice, and to create fair competition boosting the EU’s competitiveness and innovation alike. As part of Option 1, we encourage the European Commission to invite the provision of energy information per portion for alcoholic beverages above 1.2% (alongside the mandatory provision of information per 100ml). This information is critical for adequate consumer understanding and for comparing different beverages. spiritsEUROPE looks forward to working with the European Commission on this important topic and thanks the Commission for the opportunity to provide comments on the ongoing review process.
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Meeting with Maciej Golubiewski (Cabinet of Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski)

29 Jun 2021 · Opening speech in the Annual Trade Event

Meeting with Elina Melngaile (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis), Michael Hager (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis) and

23 Jun 2021 · EU-US trade relations; Trade relations with other third countries

Response to Instrument to deter and counteract coercive actions by third countries

17 Mar 2021

spiritsEUROPE represents the spirits industry at the European level. Its membership is made of 31 national associations and a group of 10 leading spirits producing companies. We thank the European Commission for the opening of a public consultation on the inception impact assessment of the foreseen instrument to deter and counteract coercive actions by third countries. Over the past years, the European spirits sector has repeatedly been targeted by adverse measures taken by trading partners in retaliation against certain EU policies or measures which they disapproved of. Being able to robustly defend key EU export sectors, while protecting the EU’s regulatory freedom, is therefore essential and becomes even more important in the current context in which some countries tend to show a certain neglect or flexibility with regards to their interpretation of international rules governing the global trading system. We therefore welcome the European Commission’s efforts to reinforce the protection of the EU against such retaliation – however, we would like to do so with some important caveats. The most important point we would like to underline is that a rapid and forceful defense of the EU’s economic interests is a positive thing provided it does not put at risk – or hurt – the EU’s offensive trading interests involuntarily by exposing sectors in which the EU enjoys a strong trade surplus to third country retaliation as a result. A proper evaluation process including thorough consultations and public hearings of relevant stakeholders is essential in this respect. You will find in the attached position paper further suggestions in this regard, based on our recent experience with such measures in different regions of the world, centered around the following three priorities: 1) Adequate & broad definition of criteria for situation in which EU action could be taken; 2) Widening of the scope of sectors targeted by possible countermeasures beyond goods; 3) Developing a thorough, modernized & fit-for-purpose stakeholder consultation mechanism which: - clearly defines the type of evidence desired by the Commission in the public consultation notice, - foresees public hearings or exchanges of views upon request of a sector or a Member State whose industry is concerned by the proposed measures, following the public consultation on these measures. - requires the Commission to trigger the consultation process as early as possible in the design procedure of the list of products.
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Response to Information and promotion measures for agricultural and food products in the internal market and in non-EU countries

8 Mar 2021

spiritsEUROPE proudly represents one of Europe’s most valuable agri-food export sectors and, with it, the interests of 29 associations of spirits producers as well as 10 leading multinational companies. It is our mission to represent, defend and promote the European spirits sector and help members achieve sustainable business growth. spiritsEUROPE welcomes the European Commission’s consultation of stakeholders on its Inception Impact Assessment “EU Farm and Food products – review of policy on promotion inside and outside the EU”. As a general position, spiritsEUROPE wishes to highlight the fundamental importance of European high-quality food & drink products which are one of the backbones of Europe’s economy, whose production is essential for the economic and social sustainability of countless rural communities and which form part of Europe’s cultural tradition and culinary heritage. European spirits – whether protected by Geographical Indications (GIs) or not – are appreciated by consumers within the EU and worldwide. The distillation and production of spirits in Europe has always been marked by highest standards of economic, social and environmental sustainability. In terms of sustainable agricultural production and consumption, the importance of the concept of ‘terroir’ (with its intrinsic focus on long-term, sustainable agricultural and land management practices) and the responsible enjoyment of fine spirits are key guiding principles of spirits drinks producers and their representatives in the EU. Spirits’ production is also a guarantee of local growth and jobs in Europe, as the place of production of these products is one of their essential characteristics: as a result, boosting their competitiveness will be a powerful tool for accelerating Europe’s sustainable recovery. Further, the link between the spirits sector and other food and drink products is worth highlighting. European cereals, potatoes, sugar beet and grapes are essential raw materials for European spirits which deserve promotional support, as their continued success provides a critical market for EU farmers and vine-growers to sell their quality products too. As regards the inception impact assessment, spiritsEUROPE wishes to raise the following points: Any future EU policy on the promotion of EU farm and food products must sufficiently address and support • the development and application of high production standards, including aspects related to environmental sustainability • the sustained competitiveness of each sector • the continued sustainability transformation within each sector. As the Commission report to the European Parliament and the Council of 2021 points out, the EU promotion policy has been consistent with its core objectives: it has increased competitiveness of the sector and raised awareness of the high standards of EU products, especially in third country markets. The EU’s promotion policy needs to continue supporting Europe’s competitiveness, by focusing on promoting Geographical Indications (GIs), which, due to their very nature, can only be produced in the EU and contribute to the block’s reputation as well as its social and economic objectives, by supporting growth, jobs creation and exports. In so doing, the policy already does, and will continue to, provide a strong structural support to the many sustainability actions which distillers across Europe are already undertaking. Any review of the EU’s promotion policy on specific agricultural product categories with a view to enhancing their contribution to sustainable production and consumption, must consider and respect certain products production criteria as set out in the quality schemes. spiritsEUROPE would like to draw attention to the finding of the same report that, overall, the public recognition of Geographical Indications (as established by the Special Eurobarometer ‘Europeans, Agriculture and the CAP’, 2020: 20% for protected geographical designations, 14% for protec
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Response to Cross-border acquisitions of excise goods by private individuals

4 Jan 2021

spiritsEUROPE proudly represents one of Europe’s most valuable agri-food export sectors and, with it, the interests of 29 associations of spirits producers as well as 10 leading multinational companies. It is our mission to represent, defend and promote the European spirits sector and help members achieve sustainable business growth. spiritsEUROPE welcomes the European Commission’s consultation of stakeholders on its Inception Impact Assessment “Cross-border acquisition of excise goods by private individuals – revision of Article 32 of Directive 2008/118/EC”. As a general position, spiritsEUROPE supports the safeguarding and strengthening of the EU’s internal market and thus, free trade across the Member States of the European Union. A high level of harmonisation is necessary to ensure the establishment and the functioning of the internal market and to avoid distortion of competition. As regards the inception impact assessment, spiritsEUROPE wishes to raise the following points: 1. The effectiveness of the guide levels and the concept of ‘own use’ spiritsEUROPE wishes to point out that the set guide levels in Article 32 of Council Directive 2008/118/EC for alcohol do treat pure alcohol, depending on its product of origin, differently. Hence, not all businesses and all alcohol types are treated in the same way. In terms of the allowed levels of purchase of pure alcohol, the current guide levels foresee: • 10.8 liters pure alcohol coming from wine with 12% ABV (totaling 90 liters of wine) • 5.5 liters pure alcohol coming from beer with 5% ABV (totaling 110 liters of beer) • 4 liters pure alcohol coming from spirit drinks with 40 % ABV (totaling 10 liters of spirits) • 2.5 liters pure alcohol coming from intermediate products with 25% ABV (totaling 20 liters of intermediate products) spiritsEUROPE calls on the EU COM to adjust the guide levels in Article 32 of Council Directive 2008/118/EC in order to ensure that the article provides for the fair, non-discriminatory treatment of pure alcohol, regardless of its origin, that it ensures the fair taxation of different business operators and products and ends the ongoing structural discrimination between different alcoholic beverages. . 2. Distortions to public revenue Different levels of excise duties applied to the same products in different markets may encourage crossborder trade. However, it needs to be kept in mind that country-specific tax levels are set with country-specific disposable income levels and other fundamental country-specific socioeconomic factors in mind. As such, a lack of excise duty rate and price convergence is often a direct reflection of different country-specific contexts.. To set the most appropriate level of (indirect) taxation therefore is the competence of the Member States, and no EU-level activity is needed unless it aims at addressing fundamental underlying principles of taxation within the Internal Market (such as reducing structurally discriminatory/distorting schemes or rates). 3. Public health impacts spiritsEUROPE would like to point out that excise duties on alcoholic beverages are a source of governmental income. In this context, it is important to keep in mind empirical evidence of the last decades which shows that alcohol affordability (which is mainly driven by people’s disposable income levels, rather than tax/price levels of alcoholic beverages) is unrelated or, at best, very weakly associated to per capita alcohol consumption levels and trends as well as alcohol-related harm indicators, such as drink-driving, heavy episodic drinking or underage drinking. The available body of evidence finds that heavy and young drinkers are least (if not totally un-) responsive to price changes. Hence, tax/price increases are a blunt, untargeted tool that may lead to a comparatively small decline in alcohol consumption by harmful drinkers with little reduction in alcohol-related harm.
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Response to Revision of the EU geographical indications(GI) systems in agricultural products and foodstuffs, wines and spirit drinks

24 Nov 2020

spiritsEUROPE proudly represents one of Europe’s most valuable agri-food export sectors and, with it, the interests of 29 associations of spirits producers as well as 10 leading multinational companies. spiritsEUROPE’s mission is to represent, defend and promote the European spirits sector and help members achieve sustainable business growth. Distilled spirits are as diverse as the EU itself, spanning 47 product categories and including a host of geographically specific products that contribute to the culture of their regions with 240 GIs for spirits drinks. Against this background, spiritsEUROPE would like to submit the following comments to the European Commission Inception Impact Assessment on the Revision of the EU geographical indications (GIs) systems in agricultural products and foodstuffs, wines and spirit drinks. 1. spiritsEUROPE welcomes European initiatives aiming at the strengthening of GIs and their reputation inside and outside the European Union, protecting the rights of consumers and products. 2. Already today, many GI schemes for spirit drinks include elements aiming at the environmental protection in the respective geographic areas, thereby contributing to market differentiations and high-quality products. 3. Being closely connected – to local communities, resources and terroir, sustainable agricultural raw material production and sustainable distillery operations have been at the heart of Europe’s (GI) spirit drinks ever since. Various initiatives (see the spiritsEUROPE farm2glass brochure) are in place to ensure that spirit drinks are produced with full respect and attention for our environment, leaving the smallest possible footprint. Also, the inherently beneficial role of GIs in terms of contributing to the social and economic sustainability of the communities in which they are produced (and the sustainable value they can deliver to upstream producers from an agricultural value chain perspective) should be duly understood and appreciated. 4. GI schemes are closely linked to the European cultural heritage: strict rules and best practice and craftmanship, developed over centuries, guarantee highest quality standards and ensure that consumers’ expectations are fully met when GI products are purchased and consumed. As such, the specific characteristics and traditional nature of GI products in terms of their nutrient profiles must be properly understood and respected in any broader future discussions in the context of the Farm to Fork Strategy, for instance, when discussing potential initiatives regarding reformulation (not possible for GIs) or front-of- pack nutritional labelling schemes that could lead to a structurally unfair competitive treatment of traditional GI food & drink products (e.g. Nutriscore). 5. Any proposals for EU policy impacting on the registration and enforcement procedures on GIs need to ensure that existing, well-functioning practices that deliver on their expected results are maintained. 6. Initiatives that aim at the improved protection of GI products on the internet – thus, the fight counterfeited products, are needed and most welcome. 7. In line with its traditional respect for nature and social and economic sustainability, the spirits sector looks forward to the proposals on how products’ environmental footprint can be improved with the help of voluntary schemes that are in line with the existing GI rules.
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Meeting with Michael Hager (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

29 Sept 2020 · EU-US Trade relations

Meeting with Wolfgang Burtscher (Director-General Agriculture and Rural Development)

16 Sept 2020 · Exchange of views on current agri- and trade- related issues

Meeting with Christine Schneider (Member of the European Parliament)

22 Jun 2020 · Farm to Fork und Krebsstrategie

Meeting with Catherine Geslain-Laneelle (Cabinet of Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski)

17 Jun 2020 · SpiritsEurope sustainability brochure

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

10 Jun 2020 · EU/US relations

Meeting with Lukas Visek (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans)

29 Apr 2020 · Sustainable food systems

Meeting with Catherine Geslain-Laneelle (Cabinet of Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski)

29 Apr 2020 · 1. Immediate sector response to COPVID-19 crisis 2. The damaging effect this crisis has on distillers large and small 3. What kind of support and measures we need now to move forward and work towards a speedy recovery.

Spirits industry urges targeting harmful drinking over general consumption

3 Mar 2020
Topic — The European Commission is consulting on a plan to reduce cancer rates.
Message — spiritsEUROPE requests that the plan targets "harmful use of alcohol" instead of general consumption. They argue "tax cannot distinguish between drinking patterns" and prefer "responsible drinking initiatives" over excise hikes.123
Why — Avoiding higher taxes helps the industry maintain sales among the vast majority of consumers.45
Impact — Moderate drinkers and tax authorities are harmed by regressive tax hikes and illicit markets.67
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Meeting with Karolina Herbout-Borczak (Cabinet of Commissioner Stella Kyriakides), Panayiotis Pourgourides (Cabinet of Commissioner Stella Kyriakides)

2 Mar 2020 · Nutrition, labelling, prevention.

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

27 Jan 2020 · Effects of EU-US trade disputes on the sector

Meeting with Nathalie Chaze (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis)

27 Nov 2019 · Presentation of progress in implementation of the MoU by spiritsEurope

Meeting with Stephen Quest (Director-General Taxation and Customs Union)

20 Nov 2019 · Overview on indirect taxation topics

Response to Update of the Council Negotiating Directives for Economic Partnership Agreements with ACP countries and regions

21 Oct 2019

* As regard previously concluded EPAs, tariff liberalisation for EU spirits was only covered in two EPAs: EU-SADC EPA and EU-ESA EPA. All other negotiated EPAs do not contain any tariff liberalisation, which is a missed opportunity for our sector. Previous directives allowed only 70-75% of tariff lines to be covered and as a result, many sectors with an export interest found themselves without any benefit, systematically excluded from any tariff liberalization. This was our case, despite the fact there was no local production of spirits in most of these countries that would have needed protection. There is no threat to African food agriculture by opening up trade in spirits. On the contrary, the remaining high import tariffs in these countries, often combined to high or discriminatory excise taxes, only incentivize illicit traders to continue smuggling rather than formalizing their business. It is therefore imperative to aim for a level of ambition higher than 70% of tariff lines and above all to systematically justify any exclusion on legitimate grounds of protection of a vulnerable local sector. • Spirits (and wines) committees in preferential agreements are essential to allow us to tackle market access barriers specific to our sector. In addition, as several African countries start developing or enhancing their regulatory framework, such committees would represent the right platform to exchange EU best practices in this regard (on the development of standards for alcoholic beverages for example). • Finally, the benefits of EPAs remain perfectly theoretical if they are not properly applied: the Commission must provide from the outset for a effective monitoring capacity. * In practice, some of the feedabck received by operators suggest that 1) commitments to reduce customs duties for intra-zone trade (within EAC or ECOWAS) remain a dead letter, local customs officers refuse to grant them, despite what the texts say, and 2) in some countries, customs officers systematically reassess import prices. * Even if the above-mentioned problems can be addressed, there remains the possibility for African country of destination to adopt discriminatory taxation (i.e. a heavier burden on imported products) as a way of circumventing commitments to reduce customs duties. Again, clear disciplines to prohibit discriminatory treatment must be provided for in EPAs and closely monitored by the Commission (national treatment clause). * We would encourage the EU to continue to support these countries to seize the opportunity of developping effective GI protection system as well as trademark/IP legislation to help local producers to take advantage of the system and support the development of an environment positive for business investment and innovation.
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Meeting with Sabine Weyand (Director-General Trade)

2 Oct 2019 · EU-US TRADE

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

16 Jul 2019 · US tariffs and how that would affect the spirits sector

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

2 Jul 2019 · Memorandum of Understanding on labelling of spirit drinks. Trade related isuses.

Meeting with Nathalie Chaze (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis)

2 Jul 2019 · Alcohol labelling

Meeting with Vytenis Andriukaitis (Commissioner) and

4 Jun 2019 · Labelling of alcoholic beverages

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

2 May 2019 · Priorities of Spirits Europe for the next legislative term. Trade issues. Labelling

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

27 Feb 2019 · introductory meeting

Meeting with Arunas Vinciunas (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis), Nathalie Chaze (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis) and

31 Jan 2019 · Alcohol labelling

Meeting with Arunas Vinciunas (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis), Nathalie Chaze (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis) and

10 Jan 2019 · Alcohol labelling

Meeting with Nathalie Chaze (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis) and PERNOD RICARD and Diageo

28 Nov 2018 · Alcohol labelling

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

20 Nov 2018 · General Trade Issues

Meeting with Vytenis Andriukaitis (Commissioner) and

18 Oct 2018 · Alcohol labelling

Meeting with David Boublil (Cabinet of Commissioner Pierre Moscovici)

15 Oct 2018 · the Excise Structures Directive 92/83

Meeting with Rolf Carsten Bermig (Cabinet of Commissioner Elżbieta Bieńkowska)

12 Oct 2018 · self-regulatory proposal of alcoholic beverages sector

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

11 Oct 2018 · Future Trade Policy

Meeting with Manuel Mateo Goyet (Cabinet of Commissioner Mariya Gabriel)

24 Sept 2018 · consumer information on spirits

Meeting with Nathalie Chaze (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis) and PERNOD RICARD and Diageo

19 Sept 2018 · Alcohol labelling

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

9 Jul 2018 · labelling

Response to Placement of traditional bottles of Japanese Shochu on the Union market

8 Jun 2018

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposal to introduce a derogation from EU rules fixing the quantities in which spirits must be sold in the EU. A short paper from spiritsEUROPE is attached. Naturally we hope this will be useful and we will look forward to discussing this further. With best regards Nick Soper Internal Market Director spiritsEUROPE
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Meeting with Vytenis Andriukaitis (Commissioner) and

3 May 2018 · Alcohol labelling

Meeting with Miguel Ceballos Baron (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström) and Scotch Whisky Association

11 Apr 2018 · Consultation on US S 232

Meeting with Xavier Coget (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

13 Mar 2018 · EU rebalancing measures if US tariff on steel and aluminium exports

Meeting with Vytenis Andriukaitis (Commissioner) and

12 Mar 2018 · Alcohol labelling

Meeting with Nathalie Chaze (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis) and PERNOD RICARD and

8 Mar 2018 · Alcohol labelling

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

5 Feb 2018 · Topics relating to the spirits sector

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

30 Nov 2017 · Courtesy call of new Pdt

Meeting with Phil Hogan (Commissioner)

22 Nov 2017 · Address their summit

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

20 Nov 2017 · Concerns of the spirits sector

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

20 Nov 2017 · Trade negotiations with Mercosur

Meeting with Xavier Coget (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

5 Oct 2017 · EU trade negotiations

Meeting with Cecilia Malmström (Commissioner)

20 Jun 2017 · assembly closing remarks

Meeting with Jerzy Bogdan Plewa (Director-General Agriculture and Rural Development) and PERNOD RICARD and Moët Hennessy

27 Jan 2017 · general exchange of views

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

25 Jan 2017 · Exchanges with DG TRADE concerning Challenges facing Euroepan Spirits sector.

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

23 Sept 2016 · CETA

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

18 Jul 2016 · Spirits in Colombia

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

13 Jul 2016 · Spirits issues

Meeting with Xavier Prats Monné (Director-General Health and Food Safety)

20 May 2016 · To introduce their sector and to listen to DG SANTE views on the future related to alcohol.

Meeting with Arunas Vinciunas (Cabinet of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis)

22 Apr 2016 · Labelling

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

11 Apr 2016 · Draft Irish Public Health (Alcohol) Bill

Meeting with Shane Sutherland (Cabinet of Commissioner Phil Hogan)

11 Apr 2016 · Minimum Pricing

Meeting with Phil Hogan (Commissioner)

15 Mar 2016 · Address Reception

Meeting with Jerzy Bogdan Plewa (Director-General Agriculture and Rural Development)

28 Oct 2015 · general update on the state of the spirits sector presented by SPIRITS

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

16 Oct 2015 · Trade and the spirits sector

Meeting with Edward Bannerman (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen) and Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins

5 Oct 2015 · Trade policy

Meeting with Jon Nyman (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

18 Sept 2015 · Market access challenges in Asia

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

22 Jul 2015 · Exports of spirits to Colombia

Meeting with Cristina Rueda Catry (Cabinet of Commissioner Phil Hogan) and Associação das Empresas de Vinho do Porto

17 Jul 2015 · Position of spiritsEUROPE and AEVP on the future EU Trade Strategy

Meeting with Léon Delvaux (Cabinet of President Jean-Claude Juncker)

7 Jul 2015 · Introduce ourselves and present some key challenges we are facing in Europe & in third country markets

Meeting with Robert Madelin (Director-General Communications Networks, Content and Technology) and American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union and

3 Jun 2015 · New College and Better Regulation

Meeting with Juho Romakkaniemi (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

11 Mar 2015 · TTIP, Investment plan

Meeting with Maria Elena Scoppio (Cabinet of Commissioner Pierre Moscovici)

11 Mar 2015 · Future perspectives on matter of taxation of alcohol

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

18 Feb 2015 · Various ongoing trade negotiations

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

28 Jan 2015 · Geographical Indications and Reg 110