EU Council signs off sweeping reform to support wine sector

Monday, 2 March, 2026
The Drinks Business, Sophie Arundel
New regulation aims to rebalance supply and demand, boost climate resilience and open the door to greater innovation across the EU wine industry.

The Council of the European Union has formally adopted a new regulation setting out a modernised policy framework for the EU wine sector, less than a year after it was first proposed by the European Commission.

The package of measures is designed to support a competitive, resilient and future-orientated wine sector, with a focus on balancing supply and demand, strengthening climate adaptation, simplifying labelling rules and encouraging innovation. It also aims to help producers respond to shifting consumer preferences and unlock new market opportunities, while supporting rural economies.

Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus, said the speed of the agreement showed the EU institutions were listening to farmers.

“By adopting the regulation on the wine sector today, less than a year after it was proposed by the Commission, the Council and the member states once again demonstrate that they listen carefully to farmers’ and the agricultural sector’s concerns and are ready to take effective action to address them,” she said.

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