On 17 July, the Council of Ministers of the EU gave authorisation to the European Commission to make a formal written request to the International Organisation of Vine and Wines (OIV) for a particular status to be granted to the EU to allow it to participate officially in the work of the OIV on issues that relate to the Union.
These issues concern the rules on the definition, production and marketing of wines, flavoured wine products, wine spirits, grape juices and table grapes.
When discussed in 2009, the issue of the EU’s full membership of the OIV was opposed by the majority in the Council, which is, therefore, required systematically to adopt a joint position before any vote in the organisation, of which 19 EU countries are members, on recommendations (“resolutions”) that may have an effect on EU law. The convention proposed to the OIV by the Commission makes provision for an annual EU financial contribution of €140,000. The decision on granting a particular status to the EU can only be made by the general assembly of the OIV.
Spanish candidate for Director General of OIV. The Comité européen des entreprises vins (CEEV) has announced its support for the candidacy of Pau Roca, Secretary General of the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV) since 1992, for the position of Director General of the OIV. His candidacy will be officially presented by the Kingdom of Spain in November. The election will be held in July 2018 to appoint the successor to the current OIV director general, Frenchman Jean-Marie Aurand who will complete his five-year term of office in December of next year. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)