EU: Commission wins loose support on wine policy

By Keith Nuthall | 19 September 2006

The European Commission has managed to cajole EU member states into supporting substantial reform of the wine sector, although differences remain over the details.

The EU's Agricultural Ministers debated the Commission's reform plans yesterday (18 September), and a council communiqué revealed there was no support for the status quo.

Although there was no support for complete liberalisation either, meeting minutes showed "a large number of delegations" supported the Commission's proposals, which the council secretariat regards as "profound reform".

That said, "some delegations" - thought to include France and Italy - either supported lighter reforms or a combination of these and Brussels' plans.

Slovenia's Agriculture Minister has also reportedly voiced her opposition to EU plans forcing the country to grub up over 2,000 hectares of vineyards.

Sectors: Wine