Verona 13 April 2026. "We're one month away from implementing the Wine Package, a proposal providing an effective sign of hope and relief for the sector in this challenging times. The wine sector is facing significant challenges arising from the geopolitical context and the effects of climate change, and this Package provides appropriate tools to support adaptation." The European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, spoke today while visiting Vinitaly, the international wine and spirits exhibition currently underway in Veronafiere until Wednesday 15 April.
"In parallel," Commissioner Hansen added, "the European Union is pursuing an ambitious and open trade agenda, with new opportunities to access strategic markets such as India and more than over 1.4 billion potential consumers. Positive prospects are consequently emerging for the sector. It is essential to continue strengthening the ability of winemaking companies to valorize and promote their quality products worldwide. The Wine Package introduces new targeted incentives to support this objective, paying special attention to key countries such as Italy, where the wine sector plays a central role.”
Hansen's visit is part of a programme of institutional attendance, confirming Vinitaly central role in wine diplomacy: a business platform that is also a venue for networking and discussion, connecting the business world and sector associations with national and European decision-makers. In fact, Veronafiere today also saw visits by Dragan Glamočić, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia, David Songulashvili, Minister of Agriculture of Georgia, and Arian Jaupllari, Albanian Deputy Minister of Agriculture, welcomed by Federico BricoloP president of Veronafiere, together with Francesco Lollobrigida, Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry.
"The role of the European Union and the European Parliament is strategic in defining the regulatory of our sector. Attendance by Commissioner Hansen in Verona demonstrates the desire for direct dialogue with all trade associations in the wine world, which are broadly represented here today, together with the Minister of Agriculture and producers," said President Bricolo. Italy confirms its status as a centre for meetings and dialogue: the wine sector is facing many challenges and requires effective commitment from institutions, called upon to provide support through appropriate regulatory tools and targeted incentives. Veronafiere is not only the largest and most important event in the world dedicated to Italian wine but also a venue where shared solutions are sought to support the growth of the sector."