A4-0055/95

Proposal for a Council Regulation on reform of the common organization of the market in wine (COM(94)0117 - C4-0040/94 - 94/0107(CNS))

The proposal was approved with the following amendments:

(Amendment 1)

Recital 2

>Original text>

Whereas, in order to ensure that Community wine-growing potential is brought under control and satisfactory balance on the market is restored, a Community target production corresponding to total normal foreseeable utilization should be set, taking account of the Community's international commitments; whereas normal utilization must cover direct human consumption of all wine, i.e. table wine, quality wine produced in specified regions and other wine, industrial processing and exports, minus foreseeable imports;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, in order to ensure that Community wine-growing potential is brought under control and satisfactory balance on the market is restored, a Community reference quantity, constituting a target for gradually restoring the balance on the wine market, should be set, taking account of the average historic production over the last ten years of all types of wine with the exception of anomalous years, consumption patterns in the Member States, the import-export balance and the development of new markets, processing to obtain other products intended for use in the wine industry or in other food sectors, waste products and by-products of winemaking and the requirements of the industry making alcohol for food use;

(Amendment 2)

Recital 3

>Original text>

Whereas, on the basis of this overall target, production targets compatible with Community market balance should be set for each producer Member State; whereas those quantities must be set taking account of a historic reference quantity corresponding to production in the best recent years; whereas these reference quantities must however be adjusted in line with the quantities sold in the Community and exported; whereas the adjustment to be made immediately in terms of quantity to restore balance should also be determined for each Member State;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas, on the basis of the Community reference quantity, national and regional reference quantities should be set, taking into account the aforementioned factors and the results that have already been achieved in the Member States in reducing production by means of grubbing up and decreasing yields;

(Amendment 104)

Recital 6a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the serious environmental problems in many wine-growing areas, concerning in particular the prevention of water pollution and soil erosion, require a consistent orientation of the common wine policy to provide for an ecologically sustainable production method;

(Amendment 3)

Recital 9

>Original text>

Whereas compensation must be set to offset the loss of income resulting from the reduction in production sought through regional programmes; whereas this loss of income may be estimated on a flat-rate basis as 50% of the income which producers could derive from the production they give up; whereas such income may reasonably be estimated on the basis of a price corresponding to 65% of the guide price for the 1994/95 wine year and an alcoholic strength of 11% vol;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas compensation must be set to offset the loss of income resulting from the loss of income resulting from the reduction in production sought through regional programmes;

(Amendment 4)

Recital 9a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas preventive and voluntary distillation should be maintained in order to remove from the market wine quantities which might lower prices and to supply the requisite quantities of alcohol for food use (wines and alcoholic beverages);

(Amendment 121)

Recital 9b (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the market in wine alcohols for human consumption is a first-rank means of absorbing Community wine production, since it accounts for 16 million hectolitres of wine each year; whereas users of wine alcohols for human consumption generate significant added value for the wine sector and the economy in general, which the Community cannot overlook or fail to protect, and whereas European Union regulations demand the use of wine alcohols for manufacturing products which have to compete directly in the market with others manufactured from non-wine agricultural alcohols;

(Amendment 173)

Recital 9c (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the prices of non-wine alcohols of agricultural origin used in manufacturing spirituous beverages are much lower than those of alcohols of wine origin which, furthermore, would be subject to serious discrimination thanks to the measures and instruments to be adopted; whereas it is the duty of the Community to ensure that there is no distortion of free competition on the market and accordingly to prevent possible competitive advantages arising from its intervention;

(Amendment 5)

Recital 11a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the alcohol content of by-products obtained from the winemaking process that are subject to compulsory distillations should be increased to 15% and 10% respectively depending on whether they are obtained through direct wine-making or from must; whereas the purchase price of such by-products should not be degressive but fixed for the forthcoming wine years;

(Amendment 6)

Recital 12

>Original text>

Whereas a comprehensive reform of the wine sector with the above objectives must of necessity involve action in respect of oenological practices and treatments which have a direct impact on yields and set restrictions on any increase in the alcoholic strength of wine by the addition of sucrose or the use of other enrichment techniques; whereas to that end the number of wine-growing zones should be reduced, the minimum natural alcoholic strength should be raised and aid for the production of concentrated must and rectified concentrated must should be abolished after a transitional period of several wine years; whereas this action should be without prejudice to the special provisions on quality wine psr of Council Regulation (EEC) No 823/87, as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 3896/91;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas a comprehensive reform of the wine sector with the above objectives must of necessity involve action in respect of oenological practices and treatments which have a direct impact on yields and set restrictions on any increase in the alcoholic strength of wine by the addition of sucrose or the use of other enrichment techniques; whereas to that end the number of wine-growing zones should be reduced and the minimum natural alcoholic strength should be raised; whereas this action should be without prejudice to the special provisions on quality wine psr of Council Regulation (EEC) No 823/87, as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 3896/91;

(Amendment 7)

Recital 14a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the various measures provided for in the regional plans must, as a rule, receive 100% funding from the EAGGF Guarantee Section, except those aimed at tackling specific structural problems, in respect of which Community funding is established at 50% and 75% in Objective 1 zones;

(Amendment 8)

Recital 19

>Original text>

Whereas the wine market is affected by falling consumption in the Community; whereas a coherent policy to promote wine may help restore market balance by stimulating demand; whereas the nature of this promotional activity both inside and outside the Community should be specified;

>Text following EP vote>

Whereas the wine market is affected by falling consumption in the Community; whereas an effective policy should therefore be introduced to promote consumption inside and outside the European Union, including adequate funding equal to at least 3% of total appropriations for the wine sector;

(Amendment 9)

Article 1, introduction

>Original text>

The purpose of this Regulation is to restrict the Community's wine-growing potential and secure balance on the wine market in the medium term by:

>Text following EP vote>

The purpose of this Regulation is to adjust the Community's wine-growing potential in the medium term and secure the development of the market and the stability of producers' incomes, by:

(Amendment 10)

Article 1, first indent

>Original text>

- defining production targets,

>Text following EP vote>

- defining quantitative reference targets,

(Amendment 11)

Article 1, last paragraph

>Original text>

This Regulation also includes provisions on abandonment of areas under vines not covered by regional viticultural adjustment programmes (Title VII), provisions amending Regulation (EEC) No 823/87 (Title VIII), specific control provisions amending Regulation (EEC) No 2048/89 (Title IX) and provisions on the introduction of a simplified vineyard register (Title X).

>Text following EP vote>

This Regulation also includes provisions on abandonment of areas under vines not covered by regional viticultural adjustment programmes (Title VII), provisions amending Regulation (EEC) No 823/87 (Title VIII), specific control provisions amending Regulation (EEC) No 2048/89 (Title IX) and provisions on the use of a Community vineyard register (Title X).

(Amendment 12)

Article 2(1)

>Original text>

1. The Community reference production, fixed in Annex I, shall constitute a target to be attained to achieve satisfactory balance on the market.

>Text following EP vote>

1. A Community reference quantity, constituting a target for gradually restoring the balance on the wine market, shall be determined by means of a Council Regulation on a proposal from the Commission, after Parliament has been consulted.

>Text following EP vote>

(a) When deciding on the Community reference quantity, the following factors shall be taken into account:

>Text following EP vote>

- average historic production over the last 10 years of all types of wine with the exception of anomalous years;

>Text following EP vote>

- consumption patterns in the Member States;

>Text following EP vote>

- the import-export balance and the development of new markets;

>Text following EP vote>

- processing to obtain other products intended for use in the wine industry or in other food sectors;

>Text following EP vote>

- waste products and by-products of winemaking;

>Text following EP vote>

- the requirements of the industry making alcohol for food use.

>Text following EP vote>

(b) The objective of market balance will be achieved by a gradual adjustment period of five years. When setting the targets to be attained during the adjustment period, account will be taken of the need to:

>Text following EP vote>

- safeguard producers' income in accordance with the guidelines for the reform of the CAP;

>Text following EP vote>

- safeguard the wine industry and regional wine production traditions;

>Text following EP vote>

- ensure the environmental and social protection of the less-favoured wine-growing areas.

(Amendment 13)

Article 2(2)

>Original text>

2. A 'national reference production' for each producer Member State is hereby established as set out in Annex I on the basis of the Community reference production.

>Text following EP vote>

2. The national reference quantities shall be laid down in the above-mentioned Regulation on the basis of the Community reference quantity, taking into account paragraph 1(a) and the results that have already been achieved in the Member States in reducing production by means of grubbing up and decreasing yields.

(Amendment 14)

Article 2(3)

>Original text>

3. A quantity representing each Member State's production adjustment calculated in terms of the difference between its average historic production and its national reference production shall be fixed in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 83 of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87. This quantity shall be adjusted in line with the reduction in production potential achieved through application of the viticulture abandonment measures.

>Text following EP vote>

3. Member States shall, on the basis of the criteria laid down in paragraph 1, determine a regional reference quantity. The regional reference targets may be updated each year on the basis of the regional adjustment programmes and the market outlets for regional wines.

>Original text>

Member States shall, on the basis of the national reference production, determine a regional reference quantity for each region for which the regional programmes referred to in Title I are drawn up. They may determine a regional reference quantity for each of their wine- growing regions.

(Amendment 136)

Article 2(3a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

3a. Table wine and wine suitable for yielding table wine intended for the production of quality spirits psr may be the subject of a specific regional market reference, which shall be decided by the Member State concerned.

(Amendment 15)

Article 2(4), second subparagraph

>Original text>

The review shall be carried out and, where applicable, the adjustment made in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 83 of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87.

>Text following EP vote>

The review shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 83 of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87.

>Text following EP vote>

Such adjustments as may be required shall be made by the Council in line with the findings of the review.

(Amendment 16)

Article 3(1), first subparagraph

>Original text>

1. The authorities designated by the Member States may draw up regional viticultural adjustment programmes, hereinafter referred to as 'regional programmes', for one or more wine-growing regions.

>Text following EP vote>

1. The Member States shall, within three months of the entry into force of this Regulation, designate the authorities responsible for drawing up regional viticultural adjustment programmes, hereinafter referred to as 'regional programmes' for one or more wine-growing regions.

(Amendment 17)

Article 3(1), second subparagraph

>Original text>

Regional programmes must ensure that each Member State restricts viticultural production in accordance with the national reference production referred to in Article 2(2) by ordered adjustment of production potential and by recourse to the measures referred to in Article 4 for reducing production. The programmes shall be drawn up using a simplified vineyard register and shall be consistent in themselves while meeting rural development, planning and environmental objectives. They shall be prepared and implemented in association with the competent authorities at national and regional level and with the Commission in line with the principle of partnership and shall require approval in accordance with Article 8.

>Text following EP vote>

Regional programmes for each Member State, subdivided by region, must include adjustment of production to market potential, measures to ensure quality and measures to develop market potential, taking into account changes in producers' earnings. The programmes shall be drawn up using a Community vineyard register and shall be consistent in themselves while meeting rural development, planning and environmental objectives. They shall be prepared and implemented in association with the competent authorities at national and regional level and with the Commission in line with the principle of partnership. Professional organizations in the various regions shall be involved in drawing up the programmes in an appropriate manner. The programmes shall require approval in accordance with Article 8.

(Amendment 18)

Article 3(1), third subparagraph

>Original text>

'Region' means a geographical area with homogeneous characteristics as regards climate, production structures, traditions and viticultural practices.

>Text following EP vote>

'Region' means a geographical area with homogeneous characteristics as regards climate, production structures, traditions and viticultural practices. Such geographical areas do not necessarily correspond to the current administrative division of the regions within each Member State.

(Amendment 19)

Article 3(4)

>Original text>

4. Abandoned areas shall be ineligible for aid under Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1765/92.

>Text following EP vote>

4. Abandoned areas shall be ineligible for aid under Council Regulation (EEC) No. 1765/92 during the first crop year following grubbing.

(Amendments 20 and 166)

Article 4(1)(A)

>Original text>

(A) measures to reduce regional production by:

>Text following EP vote>

(A) measures to reduce regional production by:

>Original text>

- cutting annual production by green cropping,

>Text following EP vote>

- completely cutting annual production of those parcels set aside for green cropping by destruction of the product,

>Original text>

- action such as setting yield ceilings, restricting or prohibiting practices such as irrigation and application of fertilizer that boost yields, and cultivational practices such as certain types of pruning that restrict yields;

>Text following EP vote>

- action such as setting yield ceilings, restricting or prohibiting practices such as irrigation and application of fertilizer that boost yields, and cultivational practices such as certain types of pruning and green berry thinning that restrict yields,

>Text following EP vote>

- adopting production rules to reduce production and apply viticultural methods aimed at more effective environmental protection;

(Amendment 21)

Article 4(1)(B)

>Original text>

(B) abandonment of areas under vines in order to achieve precise production potential reduction targets. Abandonment shall be by grubbing and removal of stocks and shall be accompanied by environment-friendly action such as reparcelling and soil protection by maintenance of suitable plant cover and/or afforestation;

>Text following EP vote>

(B) abandonment of areas under vines in order to achieve precise production potential reduction targets. Abandonment shall be by grubbing and removal of stocks and shall be accompanied by environment-friendly action such as reparcelling and soil protection by maintenance of suitable plant cover and/or afforestation. Provision must be made for access to accompanying measures, such as afforestation and the environmental measures introduced by the 1992 reform of the common agricultural policy.

>Text following EP vote>

Programmes must also have the objective of maintaining an unbroken vineyard landscape and facilitating reparcelling.

>Text following EP vote>

The programmes may stipulate that not more than 20% of the area for which a grubbing-up premium has been received shall constitute a reserve for the right to replant in the region. Provided they comply with the objectives of the regional plans, such replanting rights may be granted under favourable conditions to young producers or holdings with restructuring and reparcelling programmes. Replanting rights may also be granted in areas facing particular socio-economic or environmental problems;

(Amendment 22)

Article 4(1)(C)

>Original text>

(C) measures to tackle serious structural problems, such as maintenance of viticulture on hills, steep slopes and other ground particularly susceptible to erosion or natural deterioration, and/or problems of production adjustment, such as replanting using varieties in line with demand, and the establishment of areas under vines giving limited yields meeting specific quality requirements;

>Text following EP vote>

(C) measures to tackle serious structural problems, such as maintenance of viticulture on hills, steep slopes and other ground particularly susceptible to erosion or natural deterioration, and/or problems of production adjustment, such as replanting using varieties in line with demand, and the establishment of areas under vines giving limited yields meeting specific quality requirements; in addition, implementation of measures to meet the problems associated with the change of generations and the establishment of young farmers, such as the establishment of a regional planting rights fund;

(Amendment 23)

Article 4(1)(D)

>Original text>

(D) technical training, dissemination of agricultural research findings and commercial exploitation of the region's viticultural products.

>Text following EP vote>

(D) technical training, to disseminate more efficient viticultural and production techniques, financing research programmes, dissemination of agricultural research findings and commercial exploitation of the region's viticultural products, particularly measures to help producers market their products independently.

>Text following EP vote>

The goal is to achieve high-quality production, protect the environment and promote sales.

(Amendment 141)

Article 4(1a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

1a. In order to promote new varieties of vines, to gear production more closely to the market and limit losses between planting and the first harvest, the bodies or organizations designated by the Member States to draw up and implement the plan may grant authorizations in advance. Grubbing up must be carried out before the first harvest of the new vines.

(Amendment 24)

Article 4(2)

>Original text>

2. Each programme shall last for a maximum of six years and shall quantify the reduction in production that the region undertakes to achieve.

Each programme shall indicate the types of action to be taken in application of paragraph 1 and the area to be covered by each type.

>Text following EP vote>

2. Each programme which aims to achieve the regional reference quantity shall last for a maximum of six years and shall indicate how market balance is to be achieved (e.g. through ceilings on yields, voluntary grubbing-up or increased sales).

>Original text>

Each programme shall be structured to a timetable and shall include monitoring and surveillance provisions.

>Text following EP vote>

Each programme shall be structured to a timetable and shall include monitoring and surveillance provisions.

>Text following EP vote>

This evaluation shall be carried out each year to ensure that the objectives have been attained.

>Original text>

Where regional programmes are implemented in areas covered by Objectives 1 and 5(b), the monitoring committees instituted pursuant to Article 25 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4253/884 shall take part in the monitoring and implementation of programmes.

>Text following EP vote>

Where regional programmes are implemented in areas covered by Objectives 1 and 5(b), the monitoring committees instituted pursuant to Article 25 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4253/884 shall take part in the monitoring and implementation of programmes.

(Amendment 25)

Article 5(1)

>Original text>

1. The amount granted for implementation of component A provided for in Article 4(1) shall be that needed to offset the loss of income resulting from the reduction in production. It shall be calculated on the basis of ECU 11.33 per hectolitre of production lost.

>Text following EP vote>

1. The amount granted for implementation of component A provided for in Article 4(1) shall be that needed to offset the loss of income resulting from the reduction in production.

(Amendment 26)

Article 5(2)

>Original text>

2. The amount granted to finance component A of each programme shall be adjusted to take account of the reduction in production achieved through abandonment as part of component B.

>Text following EP vote>

Deleted

(Amendment 27)

Article 5(3)

>Original text>

3. The overall amount granted for implementation of component C shall depend on the area abandoned under component B of the programme. It shall be calculated on the basis of ECU 3 000 per hectare abandoned.

>Text following EP vote>

3. The overall amount granted for implementation of component C shall depend on the area abandoned under component B of the programme. It shall be calculated on the basis of ECU 6 000 per hectare abandoned.

(Amendment 28)

Article 5(4)

>Original text>

4. The overall amount granted for implementation of component D shall be a maximum of 5% of the total amount granted for the programme.

>Text following EP vote>

4. The overall amount granted for implementation of component D shall be a maximum of 10% of the total amount granted for the programme.

(Amendment 29)

Article 6, first paragraph, introduction and first indent

>Original text>

The premium for abandonment of areas under vines in implementation of component B shall be:

>Text following EP vote>

The premium for voluntary abandonment of areas under vines in implementation of component B shall be:

>Original text>

- calculated using as basis a reference rate of ECU 7 000 per hectare for an average Community yield of 50 hectolitres per hectare,

>Text following EP vote>

- calculated using as basis a reference rate of ECU 6 000 per hectare for an average Community yield of 50 hectolitres per hectare,

(Amendment 30)

Article 6(d)

>Original text>

(d) areas under vines that have been the object of a financially aided restructuring operation.

>Text following EP vote>

(d) areas under vines that have been the object of a financially aided restructuring operation in the last 15 years.

(Amendment 31)

Article 7

>Original text>

1. The amounts paid in respect of implementation of components A, C and D referred to in Article 4(1) shall be financed 50% by the EAGGF Guarantee Section and 50% by the Member State concerned. For Objective 1 zones, as determined by Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88, the Community contribution shall be 75%.

>Text following EP vote>

1. The amounts paid in respect of implementation of components A, B and D referred to in Article 4(1) shall be financed 100% by the EAGGF Guarantee Section.

>Original text>

2. Premiums paid in respect of component B referred to in Article 4(1) shall be financed 100% by the EAGGF Guarantee Section.

>Text following EP vote>

2. The amounts paid in respect of component C referred to in Article 4(1) shall be financed 50% by the EAGGF Guarantee Section and 50% by the Member State concerned. For the Objective 1 zones referred to in Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88, the Community contribution shall be 75%.

(Amendment 32)

Article 8(1)

>Original text>

1. Drafts shall be submitted to the Commission for approval no later than the end of the ninth month following the entry into force of this Regulation.

>Text following EP vote>

1. Regional programmes shall be submitted to the Commission for approval no later than the end of the ninth month following the entry into force of this Regulation and subsequently before 28 February each year.

>Text following EP vote>

Should one or more regions experience difficulties in submitting the programmes within the appointed time limit, they may avail themselves of a further period of nine months, but this shall not entail a corresponding increase in the duration of programmes, as set out in Article 4(2).

(Amendment 33)

Article 8(3), introduction and first 4 indents

>Original text>

3. Draft programmes shall be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

>Text following EP vote>

3. Draft programmes shall be submitted to the Commission by the Member States. They shall be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

>Original text>

- the contribution to achieving the fundamental objectives of ordered adjustment of wine-growing potential and restriction of yields,

>Text following EP vote>

- the contribution to achieving the fundamental objectives of ordered adjustment of wine-growing potential and restriction of yields,

>Text following EP vote>

- the contribution to promoting sales and opening up new markets,

>Text following EP vote>

- the contribution to progressive adjustment of viticulture to the principles of environment- friendly management,

>Text following EP vote>

- compliance with environmental and soil-conservation objectives; implications and consequences for employment and rural population,

>Original text>

- economic coherence of the various components and technical merit,

>Text following EP vote>

- economic coherence of the various components and technical merit,

>Original text>

- the compatibility and complementarity of the measures with the operational programmes in areas covered by Objectives 1 and 5(b),

>Text following EP vote>

- the compatibility and complementarity of the measures with the operational programmes in areas covered by Objectives 1 and 5(b),

>Original text>

- the justifiability of the premium amounts scheduled in regard to action under components A, C and D referred to in Article 4(1),

>Text following EP vote>

- the justifiability of the premium amounts scheduled in regard to action under components A, B, C and D referred to in Article 4(1),

(Amendment 34)

Article 9, first and second paragraphs

>Original text>

Execution of each regional programme shall be assessed before the end of the third year following approval and at the end of the execution period although intermediate surveillance reports may also be drawn up. Assessments shall be on the basis of a report submitted by the competent national authorities to the Commission and the findings of the body of specific officials of the Commission set up under Article 6 of Regulation (EEC) No 2048/89.

>Text following EP vote>

Execution of each regional programme shall be assessed before the end of the third year following approval and at the end of the execution period although intermediate surveillance reports may also be drawn up. Assessments shall be on the basis of a report submitted each year before 31 January by the competent national authorities to the Commission and the findings of the body of specific officials of the Commission set up under Article 6 of Regulation (EEC) No 2048/89.

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall forward these assessments, reports and findings to the other Member States for information.

>Original text>

When the first assessment is made amendments to the regional programme may be requested by the competent national or regional authorities or by the Commission.

>Text following EP vote>

When the first assessment is made amendments to the regional programme may be requested by the competent national or regional authorities or by the Commission. However, if the abandonment objectives provided for in the regional programme have been achieved, the Member State may suspend the application of component B of the programme.

(Amendment 35)

Article 10

>Original text>

Failure to any significant degree to fulfil the objectives of the regional programme, noted when assessments of intermediate reports are made, may entail suspension of payment of all premiums. The Member State concerned shall bear any financial consequences connected with a failure to carry out programmes, having regard to the importance of the objectives not fulfilled and to the resulting additional costs for management of the market.

>Text following EP vote>

Deleted

>Original text>

This Article shall not preclude payment of amounts due to growers who have fulfilled their obligations in accordance with the programmes.

(Amendment 36)

Article 10a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall submit to the Council and the European Parliament a report on the assessments at the end of the third year of the execution of each regional programme and the final assessment of the execution period.

(Amendment 37)

Article 11(1), 1st indent

>Original text>

- determination of the premium rates for the abandonment of areas under vines,

>Text following EP vote>

- determination of the premium rates for the voluntary abandonment of areas under vines and the conditions governing possible capping of areas eligible for the abandonment premium,

(Amendment 38)

Article 12(1), third indent

>Original text>

- provisions governing the blending and coupage of musts and wines; if provision is made for blending white wine with reed wine the percentage of white wine in the final product may not exceed 10%,

>Text following EP vote>

- provisions governing the blending and coupage of musts and wines; if provision is made for blending white wine with reed wine the percentage of white wine in the final product may not exceed 35%,

(Amendment 39)

Article 13(2a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2a. Wines produced in the 'Vinho Verde¨ region shall be made from grapes whose minimum natural alcoholic strength is not less than 7%.

(Amendment 110)

Article 13(4), first subparagraph

>Original text>

4. Where the weather conditions in one or more regions during a given year diverge substantially from normal and the adverse effects on production that year appear irreversible, Member States may authorize an increase in the alcoholic strength of products used to produce wine in those regions.

>Text following EP vote>

4. Where the weather conditions in one or more regions during a given year diverge substantially from normal and the adverse effects on production that year appear irreversible, Member States may authorize an additional increase in the alcoholic strength of products used to produce wine in those regions.

(Amendment 42)

Article 14(2)

>Original text>

2. Member States may also make provision for alcoholic strength to be increased, by up to 2% vol in zone N, 1,5% vol in zone M and 1% vol in zone S, by adding sucrose to products upstream of wine.

>Text following EP vote>

2. Member States may also make provision for alcoholic strength to be increased, in regions in which this practice was authorized on 1 September 1994, by up to 2.5% vol, by adding sucrose to products upstream of wine.

>Text following EP vote>

The increase in alcoholic strength obtained by means of the techniques mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be authorized by up to 2.5% vol in zone N, 2% vol in zone M and 1.5% vol in zone S.

(Amendment 43)

Article 14(2a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2a. The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council by 1 September 1997 a report on the results of the study provided for in Article 20(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87, accompanied by suitable proposals. In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 43(2) of the Treaty, the Council shall take a decision by 1998 on the measures to be adopted with regard to increasing the natural alcoholic strength by volume of the products referred to in Article 18(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87.

(Amendment 128)

Article 14(2b) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2b. For countries joining the European Union, authorization to use sucrose shall be granted by means of a Council regulation, after assessing the effects this will have on the Community wine market and the actual extent to which such practices are traditionally used in the countries concerned.

(Amendment 44)

Article 16

>Original text>

The following transitional measures shall apply in the 1995/96, 1996/1997 and 1997/98 wine years:

>Text following EP vote>

Deleted

>Original text>

1. Article 13(2) notwithstanding, the minimum natural alcoholic strength required of grapes for a possible increase shall be:

>Original text>

(a) in the wine-growing areas included in zone A indicated in Annex IV to Regulation (EEC) No 822/87 in the version enforced on 31 August 1994:

>Original text>

- 5.2% vol for the 1995/96 wine year,

>Original text>

- 5.4% vol for the 1996/97 wine year,

>Original text>

- 5.7% vol for the 1997/98 wine year;

>Original text>

(b) in the wine-growing areas included in zone C I(a) indicated in the abovementioned Annex IV:

>Original text>

- 7.6% vol for the 1995/96 wine year,

>Original text>

- 7.7% vol for the 1996/97 wine year,

>Original text>

- 7.8% vol for the 1997/98 wine year;

>Original text>

(c) in the wine-growing areas included in zone C II indicated in the abovementioned Annex IV:

>Original text>

- 8.6% vol for the 1995/96 wine year,

>Original text>

- 8.7% vol for the 1996/97 wine year,

>Original text>

- 8.8% vol for the 1997/98 wine year.

>Original text>

2. Article 14(2) notwithstanding, in regions where the use of sucrose was authorized at 1 September 1994 alcoholic strength may be increased by adding sucrose, by up to:

>Original text>

- 3.2% vol, 2.4% vol, 1.9% vol and 1.8% vol in former zones A, B, C I(a) and C II respectively for the 1995/96 wine year,

>Original text>

- 2.8% vol, 2.3% vol, 1.8% vol and 1.6% vol in former zones A, B, C I(a) and C II respectively for the 1996/97 wine year,

>Original text>

- 2.4% vol, 2.2% vol, 1.7% vol and 1.3% vol in former zones A, B, C I(a) and C II respectively for the 1997/98 wine year.

(Amendment 114)

Article 17(1), introductory phrase

>Original text>

1. For the 1995/96, 1996/97 and 1997/98 wine years, aid shall be granted on:

>Text following EP vote>

1. From the 1995/96 wine year onwards, aid shall be granted on:

(Amendment 46)

Article 17(2)

>Original text>

2. The aid provided for in paragraph 1 shall be, respectively:

- ECU 1,00 and ECU 1,30 per % vol per hectolitre for the 1995/96 wine year,

- ECU 0,67 and ECU 0,87 per % vol per hectolitre for the 1996/97 wine year,

- ECU 0,33 and ECU 0,43 per % vol per hectolitre for the 1997/98 wine year.

>Text following EP vote>

2. The aid provided for in paragraph 1 shall be aimed at offsetting the difference between the cost of enrichment achieved with the aforementioned products and the cost of enrichment achieved with sucrose.

The aid shall be fixed at the beginning of each wine year in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 83 of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87.

It shall not be less than ECU 1.00 and ECU 1.30 per % vol per hecto- litre.

>Text following EP vote>

From the 1996/97 wine year onwards, this aid shall be paid to producers of concentrated must and rectified concentrated must.

(Amendment 47)

Article 17(2a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2a. Aid shall be granted in respect of storage of must, concentrated must and rectified concentrated must, amounting to ECU 0.01 per hectolitre per day in the case of must, and ECU 0.04 per hectolitre per day in the case of concentrated must and rectified concentrated must.

(Amendment 48)

Article 17(2b) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2b. The Community shall prohibit the import of grape must from third countries so as to reduce wine surpluses in the Community by using Community grape must.

(Amendment 49)

Article 18, second paragraph

>Original text>

Under conditions to be determined, the Community may contribute towards the cost of monitoring natural alcoholic strength and use of the techniques for increasing alcoholic strength indicated in this Title.

>Text following EP vote>

Under conditions to be determined, the Community shall contribute towards the cost of monitoring natural alcoholic strength and use of the techniques for increasing alcoholic strength indicated in this Title.

(Amendment 52)

Title III, Chapter -I (new)

>Text following EP vote>

CHAPTER -I

Preventive and voluntary distillation

Article 19a

>Text following EP vote>

A. Preventive distillation

1. At the beginning of each wine year, preventive distillation of table wines and wines suitable for yielding table wines shall be initiated.

>Text following EP vote>

2. The buying-in price for wine delivered for distillation under paragraph 1 shall be:

>Text following EP vote>

- 65% of the guide price for each type of table wine fixed for the year concerned, for table wines of those types and table wines having a close economic relationship therewith,

>Text following EP vote>

- 65% of the guide price for table wine of type A I fixed for the year concerned, for wines suitable for yielding table wine.

>Text following EP vote>

The price paid by the distiller may not be lower than the said buying-in price.

>Text following EP vote>

3. The intervention agency shall pay aid for the product to be distilled, provided that the product obtained by distillation has an alcoholic strength of at least 52% vol.

>Text following EP vote>

4. The Council, acting by a qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission, shall adopt general rules concerning the distillation referred to in paragraph 1, and in particular:

>Text following EP vote>

- the conditions under which distillation is to be carried out,

>Text following EP vote>

- the criteria for determining the amount of aid which will enable the products obtained by distillation to be disposed of.

>Text following EP vote>

5. The decision to carry out distillation as referred to in paragraph 1 and the rules for the application of this Article shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 83 of Regulation (EEC) No. 822/87.

>Text following EP vote>

The amount of the aid referred to in paragraph 3 shall be determined in accordance with the same procedure.

>Text following EP vote>

The buying-in by the intervention agency of products obtained by distillation pursuant to this Article shall be considered as an intervention to stabilize the agricultural market within the meaning of Article 1(2) of Regulation (EEC) No. 729/70 and costs shall therefore be entirely borne by the EAGGF Guarantee Section.

>Text following EP vote>

B. Voluntary distillation for oral consumption

1. Any natural or legal person or group of persons having made wine may voluntarily deliver the wine obtained for distillation within the framework of voluntary distillation for oral consumption and other kinds of distillation which will be initiated at the beginning of each wine year.

>Text following EP vote>

2. The rules for the application of this distillation shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 83 of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87.

>Text following EP vote>

They shall include, in particular:

- conditions regarding the carrying out of the distillation,

>Text following EP vote>

- the buying-in price of wine delivered for such distillation, which shall be set on the basis of the market situation. The price paid by the distiller may not be lower than the buying-in price.

>Text following EP vote>

- the criteria for determining the aid to be granted to the distiller, which shall be fixed in accordance with the market price of alcohol of agricultural origin intended for oral consumption, to avoid disrupting the market.

>Text following EP vote>

3. The product obtained by distillation - which must have a minimum alcoholic strength of 52% vol - shall be sold for the manufacture of wines and spirits which are required under the terms of a Community regulation to use spirits distilled from wine, as well as for other uses.

(Amendment 53)

Article 21(1)

>Original text>

1. The total quantity to be distilled shall be the difference between total production for the wine year in question, excluding grape juice, and the Community reference quantity for that year. This quantity shall be distributed among the Member States according to the discrepancy between their production and their reference quantity. The quantity that must be distilled by each Member State:

>Text following EP vote>

1. The total quantity to be distilled shall be the difference between total production for the wine year in question, excluding grape juice, and 105% of the Community reference quantity for that year. This quantity shall be distributed among the Member States in direct proportion to the discrepancy between their production and 105% of their national reference quantity. The quantity that must be distilled by each Member State:

>Original text>

- shall be increased or reduced, as the case may be, by the difference between estimated total production for the previous wine year and actual total production,

>Text following EP vote>

- shall be either reduced by the difference between estimated total production for the previous wine year and actual total production or increased by the difference between actual total production, excluding grape juice, and 105% of the national reference quantity for the previous wine year, less the quantities which should have been distilled during the previous wine year,

>Original text>

- shall, in addition, be increased by the quantity which, during the previous wine year, should have been distilled but was not.

>Text following EP vote>

- shall, in addition, be increased by the quantity which, during the previous wine year, should have been distilled but was not,

>Text following EP vote>

- shall be reduced by the amount of wine to be distilled under Article 20. The volume of wine equivalent to this reduction shall be deducted from the volume of wine to be compulsorily distilled by producers who have delivered wine for distillation under Article 20.

(Amendment 127)

Article 21(1), second subparagraph (new)

>Text following EP vote>

In the Member States where production disparities much greater than the Community average have been established during the representative period, the quantity to be distilled may in addition be reduced by a quantity fixed on the basis of the differences ascertained between the total effective production and the reference quantity over the three previous wine years. This quantity may be stored for a maximum period of one wine year.

(Amendment 54)

Article 22(2), first indent

>Original text>

- either receive aid in the 1995/96, 1996/1997 and 1997/98 wine years in respect of the product to be distilled, provided that the product obtained by distillation has an alcoholic strength of at least 52% vol; should the price on the market for products obtained by distillation compared with the buying-in price of wine so warrant, the distiller shall be required to make a financial contribution,

>Text following EP vote>

- either receive aid in the wine years from 1995/96 until 2004/2005 in respect of the product to be distilled, provided that the product obtained by distillation has an alcoholic strength of at least 52% vol; should the price on the market for products obtained by distillation compared with the buying-in price of wine so warrant, the distiller shall be required to make a financial contribution,

(Amendment 55)

Article 23(1), second and third subparagraphs

>Original text>

Where a Member State applies Article 28(1), the obligation to distil shall be considered as satisfied for the quantity delivered under that provision. The quantity to be distributed between operators subject to the obligation shall be equal to the quantity determined in accordance with Article 21, less the quantity to be distilled under Article 28(1).

>Text following EP vote>

Deleted

>Original text>

The cost of distillation of the quantity of wine that was not distilled during the previous wine year and the cost of disposal of the corresponding alcohol shall be borne by the Member State.

>Text following EP vote>

The cost of distillation of the quantity of wine that was not distilled during the previous wine year and the cost of disposal of the corresponding alcohol shall be borne by the Member State.

(Amendment 56)

Article 23(2), first indent

>Original text>

- yield per hectare; application of this criterion may be used to differentiate the distillation obligation by production region and/or wine category and may involve exemption from the obligation for quality wines psr or other categories of wine,

>Text following EP vote>

- yield per hectare; application of this criterion may be used to differentiate the distillation obligation by production region and/or wine category and Member States may provide for exemption from the obligation for all or some quality wines psr or for other categories of wine,

(Amendment 57)

Article 23(4), second subparagraph

>Original text>

Member States shall inform the Commission of the criteria, scales, exemptions and other measures planned pursuant to this Article.

>Text following EP vote>

Each Member State shall inform the Commission of the criteria, scales, exemptions and other measures planned pursuant to this Article, and the Commission shall forward this information to the other Member States in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 83 of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87.

(Amendment 58)

Article 26(1), second subparagraph, indents

>Original text>

- 10% if the wine was obtained by direct vinification of grapes,

>Text following EP vote>

- 15% if the wine was obtained by direct vinification of grapes,

>Original text>

- 5% if the wine was obtained by vinification of grape must, grape must in fermentation or new wines still in fermentation.

>Text following EP vote>

- 10% if the wine was obtained by vinification of grape must, grape must in fermentation or new wines still in fermentation.

(Amendment 59)

Article 26(3), second subparagraph

>Original text>

Where the first subparagraph is adopted, Member States shall inform the Commission of the provisions adopted.

>Text following EP vote>

Where the first subparagraph is adopted, Member States shall inform the Commission of the provisions adopted, and the Commission shall forward this information to the other Member States in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 83 of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87.

(Amendment 60)

Article 27(1), first subparagraph

>Original text>

1. The buying-in price of grape marc, wine lees and wine delivered for distillation pursuant to Article 26 shall be

- for the 1995/96 wine year ECU 0.82 per % vol per hecto-litre,

- for the 1996/97 wine year ECU 0.80 per % vol per hecto-litre,

- for the 1997/98 and subsequent wine years ECU 0.50 per % vol per hectolitre.

>Text following EP vote>

1. The buying-in price of grape marc, wine lees and wine delivered for distillation pursuant to Article 26 shall be ECU 0.82 per % vol per hectolitre for the 1995/96 and subsequent wine years.

(Amendment 61)

Article 27(2), first indent

>Original text>

- either receive aid in the 1995/96, 1996/97 and 1997/98 wine years in respect of the product to be distilled, provided that the product obtained by distillation has an alcoholic strength of at least 52% vol; should the price on the market for products obtained by distillation compared with the buying-in price of the wine so warrant, the distiller shall be required to make a financial contribution,

>Text following EP vote>

- either receive aid in respect of the product to be distilled, provided that the product obtained by distillation has an alcoholic strength of at least 52% vol and the distiller undertakes to sell the product obtained solely for the manufacture of wines and spirits that are required under the terms of a Community Regulation to use spirits distilled from wine,

(Amendment 62)

Article 28

>Original text>

1. The total quantity of alcohol contained in bi-products of vinification that must be delivered for distillation may be increased by the Member State up to 15% by comparison with the volume of alcohol contained in the wine produced.

>Text following EP vote>

Deleted

>Original text>

2. Where paragraph 1 is applied the buying-in price of the bi-products and wine delivered for distillation shall be equal to that applicable, for the same wine year, to wine delivered for distillation as indicated in Article 21.

(Amendment 63)

Chapter III, title

>Original text>

Other measures to improve market conditions

>Text following EP vote>

Other market administration measures

(Amendment 64)

Article 30(1)

>Original text>

1. From the 1998/99 wine year onwards, if contingent surpluses occur in regions properly implementing a regional programme a special distillation operation may be initiated for producers in those regions.

>Text following EP vote>

1. In those wine years in which, despite the structural measures adopted, there is a clear imbalance in Community output, a specific distillation scheme for producers may be introduced with the aim of eliminating contingent surpluses.

(Amendments 65 and 108)

Article 32(1) and (2)

>Original text>

1. Alcohol taken over by intervention agencies shall be disposed of by invitation to tender for uses and under conditions that do not threaten to disturb the spirit drinks sector. Equality of access to the goods and equal treatment of purchasers shall be ensured.

>Text following EP vote>

1. Alcohol taken over by intervention agencies shall be disposed of by invitation to tender for uses and under conditions that do not threaten to disturb the spirit drinks, alcohol and wines sector. Equality of access to the goods and equal treatment of purchasers shall be ensured.

>Original text>

2. 75% of the costs resulting from storage and disposal of the alcohol under paragraph 1 shall be borne by the EAGGF Guarantee Section and 25% by the Member State in which it was taken over.

>Text following EP vote>

2. The costs resulting from storage and disposal of the alcohol under paragraph 1 shall be borne by the EAGGF Guarantee Section.

(Amendment 66)

Article 34, third paragraph

>Original text>

Member States shall adopt the necessary additional measures, in particular the amount of the fines mentioned in the second subparagraph, and shall inform the Commission thereof forthwith.

>Text following EP vote>

Member States shall adopt the necessary additional measures, in particular the amount of the fines mentioned in the second subparagraph, and shall inform the Commission thereof forthwith. The Commission shall forward this information to the other Member States in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 83 of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87.

(Amendment 67)

Article 34a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Aid shall be introduced for the storage of all wine products with the aim of improving market regulation during the wine year and ensuring market supplies from one wine year to the next.

(Amendment 68)

Title IV, title

>Original text>

Promotion of products of quality

>Text following EP vote>

Promotion of vine products

(Amendment 69)

Article 35(1)

>Original text>

1. Vine products shall be promoted within the framework of a general programme to aid the following:

>Text following EP vote>

1. Vine products shall be promoted within the framework of a general programme to aid the following:

>Original text>

(a) within the Community:

>Text following EP vote>

(a) within the Community:

>Original text>

- research into the effects of the use of wine and other vine products in the human diet,

>Text following EP vote>

- research into the effects of the use of wine and other vine products in the human diet including practical information on 'wine and health',

>Text following EP vote>

(b) within and outside the Community

>Original text>

- scientifically based information on wine for consumers; this information shall concentrate on consumption habits making the most positive use of wine,

>Text following EP vote>

- scientifically based information on wine for consumers; this information shall promote the cultural, historical and dietetic value of wine, highlighting in particular the role of traditional producer countries in the Community in relation to third countries; this information shall concentrate on consumption habits making the most positive use of wine, and on the benefits to health of the moderate consumption of wine,

>Text following EP vote>

- promotion of the European cultural and culinary heritage by demonstrating the diversity and complementarity of European wines and the economic, social and ecological effects of their cultivation in the producer Member States,

>Text following EP vote>

- measures to highlight the national origins of the table wines of the various Member States so as to ensure transparency of the market and proper consumer information,

>Original text>

- measures to encourage moderate consumption and an appreciation of and interest in quality,

>Text following EP vote>

- promotion of wine culture, by means of information campaigns and by carrying out measures to encourage moderate consumption and an appreciation of and interest in quality; measures specifically designed to educate non-consumers and especially young people shall be taken,

>Original text>

- distribution of economic and technical information enabling consumers to appreciate the link between product quality and price at the various stages of production and marketing and sale in catering establishments,

>Text following EP vote>

- distribution of economic and technical information enabling consumers to appreciate the link between product quality and price at the various stages of production and marketing and sale in catering establishments. Wine may be bottled throughout the European Union provided that its origin is indicated on the label,

>Original text>

- establishment of mechanisms for provision of accurate technical information on the wine sector to the media at any time so that the harmful spread of inaccurate information is prevented;

>Text following EP vote>

- establishment of mechanisms for provision of accurate technical information on the wine sector to the media at any time so that the harmful spread of inaccurate information is prevented,

>Text following EP vote>

- measures to strengthen and assist producers and their local organizations with the marketing of their products,

>Text following EP vote>

- targeted market research in the new Member States of the European Union,

>Text following EP vote>

- establishment of a tax environment favourable to wine consumption in the Community countries, by reducing the high tax rates currently imposed on these products,

>Original text>

(b) outside the Community:

>Original text>

- the measures indicated at the second, third and fourth indents of (a),

>Original text>

- promotion of Community wines by organization of general publicity campaigns, where appropriate in cooperation with Member States.

>Text following EP vote>

- promotion of Community wines by organization of general publicity campaigns, where appropriate in cooperation with Member States.

(Amendment 70)

Article 35(2), introduction

>Original text>

2. The Commission shall adopt and manage the promotion programme. To this end it may:

>Text following EP vote>

2. The Commission shall, after consulting the European Parliament, adopt and manage the promotion programme. To this end it may:

(Amendment 71)

Article 35(2a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2a. The sales promotion and market development measures provided for in and assisted under the regional programmes shall be guided by the measures listed in paragraph 1.

The regional programmes shall form an integral part of the Commission's programme as referred to in paragraph 2. The Commission's programme shall complement and round off the regional programmes and shall not pursue any conflicting objectives.

>Text following EP vote>

The Member States and/or professional organizations in the sector shall be entitled to submit promotion programmes in line with the thinking in this Article to the Commission. The Commission shall approve these programmes and supervise their implementation.

(Amendment 72)

Article 36

>Original text>

Expenditure on implementation of the promotion measures referred to in Article 35 shall be considered intervention within the meaning of Article 3(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 729/70.

>Text following EP vote>

Expenditure on implementation of the promotion measures referred to in Article 35 shall be considered intervention within the meaning of Article 3(1) of Regulation (EEC) No 729/70. To this end, an amount shall be fixed equivalent to 3% of Community appropriations devoted to funding the COM in wine.

(Amendment 73)

Article 39(1), (2) and (3) (introductory phrase)

>Original text>

1. comprise representatives of the economic activities involved, on the one hand, in the production of grapes and must for vinification and of wine, and on the other hand, in the processing of grapes and must and the manufacture of wine sector products mentioned in Annex I to Regulation (EEC) No 822/87, and, where appropriate, representatives of trade in wine sector products;

>Text following EP vote>

1. comprise on a joint basis representatives of the economic activities involved, on the one hand, in all aspects of production and, on the other hand, in processing and marketing, which shall be defined as encompassing all aspects of the wine sector other than production;

>Original text>

2. have been set up on the initiative of all or some of their constituent organizations or associations, and

>Text following EP vote>

2. have been set up on the initiative of all or some of their constituent organizations or representative associations, and

>Original text>

3. are pursuing, in one or more regions of the Community, a number of the following activities, taking account, where appropriate, of consumer interests:

>Text following EP vote>

3. are pursuing, in one or more wine-growing regions of the European Union or throughout the European Union, a number of the following activities:

(Amendment 74)

Article 39(3)(ia) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

(ia) pursuing any activity of general interest at the behest of the Commission or the Member States, particularly activities contributing to the implementation of this Regulation:

- the implementation of certain provisions of the regional wine- growing adjustment programmes;

- promotion of vine products;

- management of quantities placed in reserve.

(Amendment 75)

Article 40(1)(b)

>Original text>

(b) cover, within the region or regions concerned, a significant proportion of grape production and, where appropriate of trade in these products; should the organization be interregional in character, it must give proof of a minimum level of representation of each grouped branch in each region covered;

>Text following EP vote>

(b) cover, within the region or regions concerned, a majority of grape production, processing and manufacture of wine-sector products and of trade in these products; should the organization be interregional in character, it must give proof of a minimum level of representation of each grouped branch in each region covered;

(Amendment 76)

Article 41(1)

>Original text>

1. Inter-branch organizations may request that certain of their agreements or concerted practices be made binding for a limited period on non-member individual and group operators in the region where they operate.

>Text following EP vote>

1. Inter-branch organizations may request that the measures they take in application of Article 39(3) be made binding for a limited period on all operators in the region or regions where they operate.

>Original text>

In order for their rules to be extended, the organization in question must represent at least 51% of grape production, processing and manufacture of wine sector products, or of trade, in the region in question. If the proposed extension of the rules is inter-regional in scope, the organization must give proof of a minimum degree of representativeness, in respect of each grouped branch in each of the regions in question.

>Text following EP vote>

In order for their rules to be extended, the organization in question must represent at least 70% of grape production, processing and manufacture of wine sector products, or of trade, in the region in question. If the proposed extension of the rules is inter-regional in scope, the organization must give proof of a minimum degree of representativeness, in respect of each grouped branch in each of the regions in question.

(Amendment 77)

Article 42(1), first subparagraph

>Original text>

1. The competent authorities shall publish for the attention of interested parties agreements and concerted practices which it is intended to extend to non-member individual or group operators in one or more regions.

>Text following EP vote>

1. The competent authorities shall publish for the attention of interested parties the rules which they intend to make binding.

(Amendment 78)

Article 42(2)

>Original text>

2. Following the two-month period specified in paragraph 1 and before taking a decision, the competent authorities shall notify the Commission of the rules which they intend to make binding. The notification shall be accompanied by all relevant information, any observations received following publication and an evaluation of the application for extension.

>Text following EP vote>

2. Following the two-month period specified in paragraph 1 and before taking a decision, the competent authorities shall notify the Commission of the rules which they intend to make binding. The notification shall be accompanied by all relevant information, any observations received following publication and an evaluation of the application.

(Amendment 79)

Article 42(5)

>Original text>

5. Where, pursuant to this Article, rules are made binding on non-members of an inter-branch organization, the Member State may decide that the non-member individual or group operators shall pay the organization all or part of the dues paid by its members.

>Text following EP vote>

5. Where, pursuant to this Article, rules are made binding on non-members of an inter-branch organization, the Member State may decide that the non-member individual or group operators shall pay the organization part of the costs from which they benefit in one way or another.

(Amendment 80)

ARTICLE 44(1)

Article 1(4)(c) and (f) (Regulation (EEC) No. 822/87)

>Original text>

1. In Article 1(4) points (c) and (f) are deleted.

>Text following EP vote>

1. In Article 1(4) point (c) is deleted.

(Amendment 81)

ARTICLE 44(2)

Article 1a, fourth indent (Regulation (EEC) No. 822/87)

>Original text>

- all other factual information required for management of the market, encouragement of desirable supply adjustments and organization of measures to promote consumption.

>Text following EP vote>

- the potential production of each Member State and

- all other factual information required for management of the market, including production market prices and intra-Community trade, encouragement of desirable supply adjustments and organization of measures to promote consumption.

(Amendment 82)

ARTICLE 44(2)

Article 4(2), first and second indents (Regulation (EEC) No. 822/87)

>Original text>

- parent vines for rootstocks,

>Text following EP vote>

- parent vines for rootstocks and related grafts (grafting variety);

>Original text>

- new planting in connection with land consolidation or compulsory purchase in the public interest under national legislation,

>Text following EP vote>

- new planting in connection with land consolidation or compulsory purchase in the public interest under national legislation, and new planting to be carried out in implementation of plans to develop vineyards under the conditions set out in Regulation (EEC) No 2328/91.

(Amendment 83)

ARTICLE 44(2)

Article 5(3) (Regulation (EEC) No. 822/87)

>Original text>

3. Any vines planted or replanted in breach of the Community rules shall be grubbed without payment of a premium.

>Text following EP vote>

3. Any vines planted or replanted after publication of this Regulation in breach of the Community or national rules shall be grubbed without payment of a premium.

(Amendment 84)

ARTICLE 44(2)

Article 8(1) (Regulation (EEC) No. 822/87)

>Original text>

1. Articles 4 to 7 shall not apply to Member States where annual wine production is less than 25 000 hectolitres per wine year.

>Text following EP vote>

1. Member States in which the area given over to wine-growing does not exceed 1 200 hectares and overall production does not exceed 50 000 hectolitres per wine year shall be exempted from the provisions of Titles III and VII of Regulation (EC) No. .../... (on reform of the COM) and Articles 4, 5, 6 and 7 of Regulation (EEC) No. 822/87 as amended by Title VI. In particularly unfavourable years, the same Member States may grant derogations to the minimum natural alcoholic strength within a limit of 0.5% vol.

(Amendment 85)

ARTICLE 44(2)

Article 9a (new) (Regulation (EEC) No. 822/87)

>Text following EP vote>

Article 9a

>Text following EP vote>

National aid for the planting of vines shall be prohibited, with the exception of:

>Text following EP vote>

- aid provided for by specific Community provisions;

>Text following EP vote>

- aid permitted under the terms of Articles 92 to 94 of the EC Treaty and meeting criteria whereby the objectives of reduced production or qualitative improvement can be achieved without involving any increase in production.'

(Amendment 86)

TITLE VII, title

>Original text>

Non-regional abandonment programme for areas under vines

>Text following EP vote>

Non-regional voluntary abandonment programme for areas under vines

(Amendment 87)

Article 45(1), first subparagraph

>Original text>

1. In regions for which no regional programme is presented growers of vines for wine production shall, from the 1995(1996 to 2000/01 wine years, be granted on application, in respect of areas abandoned, a permanent abandonment premium on the terms laid down in this Title.

>Text following EP vote>

1. In regions for which no regional programme is presented growers of vines for wine production shall, from the 1995/1996 to 2000/01 wine years, be granted on application, and subject to the assent of the Member State concerned in respect of areas abandoned, a voluntary permanent abandonment premium on the terms laid down in this Title.

(Amendment 88)

Article 47(1) and (2)

>Original text>

1. The premium shall be:

- calculated on the basis of a reference rate of ECU 3500 per hectare for an average Community yield of 50 hectolitres per hectare and

>Text following EP vote>

1. The premium shall be established at the levels currently laid down by Regulation (EEC) No. 1442/88, amending the table of premium scales according to yield by reducing the tranches by 5 to 5 hectolitres per hectare.

>Original text>

- adjusted in line with the average yield of the region, using scales to be determined in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 83 of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87.

>Original text>

2. The grower shall receive 50% of the premium in the year in which grubbing is carried out and 10% in each of the following five years.

>Text following EP vote>

2. The grower shall receive 100% of the premium in the year in which grubbing is carried out.

(Amendment 161)

Article 47(2a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2a. The abandonment premium provided for in this Title may be paid in addition to the premiums provided for by Regulations Nos. 1765/92, 2078/92, 2079/92 and 2080/92.

(Amendment 89)

Article 48

>Original text>

The abandonment premium provided for under this Title shall not be cumulable with premiums provided for by Regulations (EEC) No 2078/92 and (EEC) No 2080/92.

>Text following EP vote>

In the year in which grubbing is carried out the abandonment premium provided for under this Title shall not be cumulable with premiums provided for by Regulations (EEC) No 2078/92 and (EEC) No 2080/92.

(Amendment 90)

TITLE VIII, ARTICLE 50a (new)

Article 11(1a) (new) (Regulation (EEC) No. 823/87)

>Text following EP vote>

In Article 11 of Regulation (EEC) No 823/87 the following paragraph 1a is inserted:

>Text following EP vote>

'1a. Member States may entrust to organizations, including inter-branch organizations, the task of organizing the terms and operation of the marketing during the wine year concerned of quantities produced over and above the basic yield.'

(Amendment 91)

ARTICLE 51

Article 11(2), first subparagraph (Regulation (EEC) No. 823/87)

>Original text>

2. Overshoot of the basic yield set shall entail a prohibition, covering the entire yield, on use of the claimed description.

>Text following EP vote>

2. Production allowed by the Member States shall not in any case exceed 100 hectolitres per hectare, while the maximum wine-making yield may not exceed 70% of weight. Overshoot of the basic yield set shall entail a prohibition, covering the entire yield, on use of the claimed description.

(Amendment 92)

ARTICLE 52(4)

Article 6(1), first subparagraph (Regulation (EEC) No. 2048/89)

>Original text>

1. The Commission shall set up a body of specific officials to carry out the inspection visits defined in paragraph 2 with a view to improving the uniform application of the rules in the wine sector, in collaboration with the competent authorities of the Member States.

>Text following EP vote>

1. The Commission shall set up a body of specific officials to collaborate on the checks with the competent authorities of the Member States with a view to improving the uniform application of the rules in the wine sector.

(Amendment 93)

ARTICLE 52(4)

Article 6(2)(b) (Regulation (EEC) No. 2048/89)

>Original text>

(b) to carry out checks, on the Commission's initiative, in which the officials of the Member States shall be invited to participate;

>Text following EP vote>

(b) to carry out checks, on the Commission's initiative, in which the officials of the Member States may, where appropriate, be invited to collaborate;

(Amendment 94)

ARTICLE 52(4)

(Article 6(3), first subparagraph (Regulation (EEC) No. 2048/89)

>Original text>

3. With regard to the checks to be carried out pursuant to (b) in the first subparagraph of paragraph 2, the Commission shall, in good time before the start of the operations, inform the liaison authority of the Member State on the territory of which these operations will take place. It shall indicate the most appropriate places for the checks to be carried out and shall determine the practical arrangements in cooperation with the competent authorities of the Member State.

>Text following EP vote>

Deleted

(Amendment 95)

TITLE X, title

>Original text>

Simplified vineyard register

>Text following EP vote>

Community vineyard register

(Amendment 96)

Article 53(1), first subparagraph

>Original text>

1. Member States which produce grapes grown in the open air shall establish and keep up to date, in accordance with this Title, a simplified vineyard register covering the areas in their territory under vines.

>Text following EP vote>

1. Member States which produce grapes grown in the open air shall establish and keep up to date, in accordance with this Title, a vineyard register covering the areas in their territory under vines. This register shall be kept in an identical manner by all the Member States, under the control and supervision of the Commission's services, thus creating a Community vineyard register.

(Amendment 97)

Article 53(3a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

3a. The Commission shall be given the power to check, using its own sources and after due hearing of the parties, the accuracy of the production figures submitted by the Member States, in order to ensure that Community legislation is properly and fairly applied.

(Amendment 98)

Article 55(5)

>Original text>

5. The measures referred to in paragraph 1 may benefit from Community financing only if the simplified vineyard register has been established in the region concerned and is used for checks relating to the application of those measures.

>Text following EP vote>

5. The measures referred to in paragraph 1 may benefit from Community financing only if the Community vineyard register has been established in the region concerned and is used for checks relating to the application of those measures.

(Amendment 99)

Article 57(2)

>Original text>

2. The Community shall contribute to the financing of the establishment of the graphic base and its renewal to the extent of 50% of the eligible expenditure, determined in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 83 of Regulation (EEC) No 822/87. The Community contribution shall cover projects which meet the requirements of this Title.

>Text following EP vote>

2. The Community shall contribute to the financing of the establishment of the graphic base and its renewal to the extent of 100%. The Community contribution shall cover projects which meet the requirements of this Title.

>Original text>

Expenditure on updating of the simplified vineyard register shall not receive a Community contribution.

>Text following EP vote>

Expenditure on updating of the Community vineyard register may receive a Community contribution.

(Amendment 123)

Article 61a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

Article 61a

In the Canary Islands, the Azores, Madeira and the French overseas departments, Regulations (EEC) Nos. 1911/911 and 1600/922 and Council Decisions 91/314/EEC3 and 91/315/EEC4 shall continue to apply.

_______________

1 OJ L 171, 29.6.1991, p. 1.

2 OJ L 173, 27.6.1992, p. 1.

3 OJ L 171, 29.6.1991, p. 5.

4 OJ L 171, 29.6.1991, p. 10.

(Amendment 102)

ANNEX I

>Text following EP vote>

Annex I (National Reference Production) is deleted.

(Amendment 101)

Financial statement

>Text following EP vote>

The Commission shall calculate the financial impact of the new rules for the common organization of the market in wine in accordance with the present amendments, taking account of the fact that at least ECU 150 m should be earmarked for measures to promote sales.

>Original text>

>Text following EP vote>

The calculation shall be submitted to the European Parliament before the final decision is taken by the Council.

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a Council Regulation on reform of the common organization of the market in wine (COM(94)0117 - C4-0040/94 - 94/0107(CNS))

(Consultation procedure)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(94)0117 - 94/0107(CNS) ((OJ C 194, 16.7.1994, p. 1.)),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Articles 42 and 43 of the EC Treaty (C4-0040/94),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and the opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A4-0055/95),

1. Approves the Commission proposal, subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Calls on the Council to notify Parliament should it intend to depart from the text approved by Parliament;

3. Asks to be consulted again should the Council intend to make substantial modifications to the Commission proposal;

4. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and Commission.