On Tuesday 1 July, France’s Minister Delegate for Europe, Benjamin Haddad, wrote to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, to ask him about the announcement of the third instalment of a €15 million package as part of the wine and spirits agreement between the EU and South Africa.
This announcement comes “at a time of crisis for our farmers”, says Mr Haddad, who points out that the European wine crisis is continuing unabated.
Wine producers are concerned about the impact this aid could have on the balance of trade in wines and spirits with South Africa.
France is asking the European Commission to present the economic consequences of this agreement with South Africa and the actions underway to support the European industry.
Mr Haddad called on the Commission to propose “sustainable and financed” solutions to guarantee the future of European wine policy.
The EU Council of Ministers has adopted its position on the support package for the wine sector and the European Parliament is preparing to do the same after the summer break (see EUROPE 13670/14). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)