"Europe will continue to promote wine within the framework of responsible consumption." The position of the agriculture commissioner

Fighting alcohol abuse and binge drinking, promoting wine by focusing on the concept of moderate drinking, and taking into account its economic and cultural significance in society. Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, seems to offer a rational perspective within the broad and often contradictory debate on alcohol and health. This debate includes discussions on increasing the minimum excise duties on alcoholic beverages and the possibility of warning labels on bottles. The concerns sparked by the publication in early February of the European Commission’s (DG Health) working document on BECA remain present. However, the position of the new Luxembourgish commissioner on wine appears somewhat more moderate and reasonable compared to that of some of his European counterparts.

No to abuse, yes to moderation

In an interview with Follow Efow, the newsletter of the European Federation of Origin Wines, Hansen addressed the thorny issue of the "no safe level", which has become the hottest topic in the ongoing political and scientific debate. The debate divides nations between those who consider even minimal alcohol consumption a health risk and those who believe that, in moderate doses, it does not pose significant harm.
"Excessive alcohol consumption and binge drinking," Hansen admitted, "should be actively addressed and combated, given their significant impact on health. The High-Level Group on Wine has emphasised that promotional measures must take public health implications into account and should focus on moderation, promoting responsible consumption and wine consumption paired with food."

The economic and social role of wine

"In this debate," the European Commissioner emphasised in the Efow interview, "the importance of the wine sector for the EU economy and society cannot be overlooked. In particular, its key role in sustaining many rural communities, its close connection to unique landscapes, history, and the rich cultural heritage that make wine an emblem of European Union traditions and heritage worldwide."

Awaiting specific support measures for the sector

The Commissioner also stated that he is working on the recommendations developed and received from the High-Level Group on Wine, established by the European Commission itself:
"We are currently analysing and assessing them to determine how to translate them into policy measures and EU regulations. The first steps have already been taken. A new implementing regulation," Hansen explained, "which offers winegrowers greater flexibility in vineyard replanting, has been presented to Member States and was unanimously approved. Furthermore, as announced to the European Parliament's Agriculture and Rural Development Committee on 10 February, in view of urgent support measures for the wine sector, some recommendations will be included in a package of specific measures for the wine sector, which will soon be presented."