The Committee on the Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets of the European Union gave its approval, on Wednesday 15 January, to draft delegated acts providing for measures in favour of EU wine producers affected by US sanctions in the context of the transatlantic dispute concerning the aircraft manufacturer Airbus (see EUROPE 12401/14, 12390/9).
The aim of these measures is to provide greater flexibility for operators in the wine sector in carrying out and managing their product promotion campaigns and to increase the EU cofinancing rates for these promotional actions.
First, producers will have the opportunity to change the target markets of their already approved promotional campaigns (e.g. from the United States to China). Member States will also be able to amend their national programmes several times a year to issue calls for support on a more regular basis. This flexibility will allow for quicker adaptation to immediate needs.
Secondly, the Commission proposes to increase to 60% the rate of EU funding for wine promotion operations (currently set at 50% in national programmes). This will reduce the financial burden of these campaigns on operators.
Thirdly, the limit on the duration of the sector's promotion programmes - currently set at 5 years - will be suspended to help producers consolidate the targeted markets. The current programming period for wine ends on 15 October 2023, and until that date there will be no limit on the duration of promotional campaigns.
These regulations (two implementing acts) will have to be adopted by the Commission. In addition, another regulation (delegated act), necessary for the entry into force of the measures, will be examined by the European Parliament and the EU Council (maximum period of two months).
The European Commission will continue to closely monitor the impact of the US measures on EU wine exports, the institution said. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)