Ladies and gentlemen,

Its an honor to be back in Verona for VinItaly, an event significant for the wine sector for nearly 60 years. Im here to present the Wine Package and show my support for the sector.

European wine is renowned worldwide for its quality. However, with declining consumption and geopolitical tensions, the sector is under pressure. Its time for the Commission to support the EU wine sector.

The challenges are significant: declining consumption, pandemics, and climate change. Recently, the United States announced global tariffs, which is worrying for our producers.

The Wine Package includes measures like extending replanting authorizations and new tools for crisis management. We also aim to stimulate production and innovation to combat climate change.

Consumers increasingly demand lower-alcohol wines. Therefore, we introduce definitions like alcohol-free and alcohol-light. We also simplify labeling rules.

In challenging times, cooperation is crucial. Italy, as a wine destination, can build on this. Our proposals support wine groups in developing wine tourism.

I look forward to further discussions and hope for swift approval of this legislation to support our wine sector.

Thank you.