"Alert on labels? A self-flagellation" – From the Wine States General, Industry Associations appeal to MEPs

The wine sector was called to gather in Rome, at the Capitoline Hill, for an event promoted by the representation of the European Parliament in Italy and the European Commission. The agenda focused on the future of the industry, which hinges on key topics such as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Common Market Organisation (CMO), free trade agreements, and, not least, upcoming decisions by the EU Commission regarding health warnings on labels and the potential increase in excise duties (which, in Italy, currently stand at zero).

Lollobrigida Against Ideological Degenerations

"Now more than ever, we must unite beyond our national borders to counter any attempt to demonise and criminalise wine," urged Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, who also promised to do everything in his power to oppose the EU's anti-cancer plan: "We will be on the front line, always informing about the risks of abuse, but opposing any ideological degeneration that could damage our excellence."

Wine too often a victim of friendly fire

Industry associations, for their part, reaffirmed the importance of defending the sector and remaining vigilant. "Wine," began Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of the Italian Wine Union (UIV), "is increasingly a victim of friendly fire, even from certain texts of the European executive. A prime example is the new BECA plan from the EU Commission— an act of self-flagellation that is difficult to understand, given that three years ago the European Parliament had already rejected the introduction of alerts. Yet, the Commission seems to be a 'new Lazarus' that awakens every three years." The UIV president also pointed to the case of Ireland’s health warnings, insisting that Dublin should be urged to reverse its stance: "The obligation for alerts goes against the principle of free circulation."

EU Commission’s ideological approach

Federvini echoed similar concerns: "The competitiveness of the European wine sector is threatened by an inconsistent regulatory framework and ideological approaches that jeopardise its growth," said Albiera Antinori, president of the federation’s wine group. Dominga Cotarella, representing Coldiretti, questioned why wine is always "under scrutiny. Why does no one challenge ultra-processed products, which are the real cause of disease?" However, she expressed hope for a positive outcome: "We at Coldiretti are ready to take to the streets to defend the sector, but there is a strong chance that these proposals are purely ideological and will likely not materialise."

Upcoming CAP Document from the Agriculture Commission

Despite the critical moment, Italian representatives in Europe do not seem overly concerned, especially after the turbulent previous EU legislature. MEP Herbert Dorfmann, a member of the Agriculture Committee, remained optimistic: "It is an interesting moment in Brussels," he said, "with agriculture seeing a significant decline. This was hardly surprising after what we went through in the past five years. Commissioner Hansen is well acquainted with the sector and will present his vision for the Common Agricultural Policy this week. In March, the wine CMO package will be introduced, aiming to transform the High-Level Wine Group’s discussions into law—an excellent example of policymaking. Our task now is to translate the proposed solutions from recent months into European legislation. I am not a great supporter of vineyard grubbing," he added, "although in some cases, it can be useful. However, I believe we should invest primarily in proactive measures, such as creating new markets—starting with Mercosur, where the agreement is not easy but must be concluded."

Dorfmann also commented on the BECA document: "Its approach is wrong and dangerous," he said, "but it does finally distinguish between abuse and consumption — a difference I have always fought for. At the same time, those who drafted the document should realise that neither alerts nor taxation will solve the problem of alcohol abuse. Just look at the numbers: in Italy, where excise duty is zero, we have far fewer issues than countries where taxation is imposed."

Enough with over-regulation

Former MEP and rapporteur of the GI Reform, Paolo De Castro, also spoke at the event: "We must not harm ourselves within the European Union," he warned. "Over-regulation can create difficulties for our businesses. It is unclear why the Commission has reopened the labelling debate, but we have the tools to defend ourselves. The CAP document, which Agriculture Commissioner Hansen will present next week, marks a break from the past. It is essential to develop strategies together with businesses: the current complexity of the CAP has led many farmers to opt out, whereas simplification is needed to ensure a stable income for genuine producers."

Playing the Fitto Card in Europe

Nicola Procaccini, co-president of the ECR group in the European Parliament and head of its environmental department, also expressed optimism: "In the past legislature, agriculture was perceived as an enemy, yet we still managed to achieve important results, such as the GI reform. This time, the outlook is better—there is less ideology. I am optimistic. Certainly, the anti-cancer plan is alarming, as it raises an ethical issue linked to excessive regulation that ultimately seeks to control every aspect of life. It is right to discuss wine consumption levels, but we must also consider quality of life, which should not be overlooked."

"That said," continued the MEP from Fratelli d’Italia, "the presence of Raffaele Fitto as Vice-President of the EU Commission is reassuring, as he also oversees the Agriculture Commissioner. Of course, he cannot make exceptions for Italy, but he can help Europe avoid repeating past mistakes."