Wineries are one of the sectors dramatically affected by the spread of COVID-19 in Greece and the rest of Europe, as the cessation of activities in the catering and tourism sectors has sharply reduced demand, while exports have virtually come to a standstill. As a result, wineries are unable to dispose of their production and their stocks of wine and other alcoholic beverages are building up.

The Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, having taken into account the needs of the wine industry, has taken immediate action and forwarded its views on the matter to the Commission.

Given that Articles 216 and 219 of Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 provide for the possibility of activating the measure of ‘distillation of wine in cases of crisis’, as well as taking emergency measures in case of market disruption, will the Commission say:

1. Does it intend to include Article 216 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, with a corresponding increase of 15%, in the National Support Programme in order to ensure the economic viability of Greek wine producers?
2. Does it consider it appropriate to activate Article 219 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 for Greek producers in order to take additional emergency measures, given that the wine market has been disrupted?

Read the question here