WRITTEN QUESTION E-0763/02

by Vincenzo Lavarra (PSE) to the Commission

(18 March 2002)

Subject: Opposition to the idea of harmonising excise duty on wine

Given that:

- wine is central to gastronomy and the Mediterranean diet and can therefore be considered to all intents and purposes as a staple product;

- it is an integral part of the history and culture of the peoples of Europe, in particular of the Mediterranean area, where it is part of the population's identity;

- it is wrong and unjust to compare wine with truly harmful products, such as spirits and tobacco, since in moderation it is unanimously recognised to have a healthy effect;

- as regards quality wines or those with a registered designation of origin, the levying of tax (in those countries where it does not at present exist) may make it less competitive on the market;

- with regard to table wines, which often remain unsold despite very low market prices (cf. the special distillation scheme in Italy and France), an increase in the cost as a result of excise duty would aggravate the situation and increase the surplus of table wine on the market;

- because of the specific characteristics of the sector most wine producers, especially in the Mediterranean, are farmers and the excise duty would directly and adversely affect the incomes and competitiveness of wine-growers, who would be penalised at what is any case a difficult time for Community agriculture;

- in various EU countries, including Italy, there is at present no excise duty on wine and it would therefore be unjustified to introduce harmonisation, since this would mean the introduction of a new levy at a time when it is unanimously agreed that there are already too many levies and taxes on the agri-foodstuffs and wine sectors.

In view of all this, can the Commission say whether it really intends to propose harmonisation or whether, because of the special nature of the product (a staple product of great cultural value) and because there are at present no excise duties on it in some EU countries, it would be better to maintain the status quo or else propose the abolition of excise duty on wine throughout the Community?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(25 April 2002)

Council Directive 92/84/EEC, of 19 October 1992, deals with the approximation of rates of excise duty on alcohol and alcoholic beverages(1). Under its provisions it is necessary for the excise duty rates laid down in that Directive to be reviewed periodically by Council. This review shall be based upon a Commission report taking into account all relevant issues, especially the proper functioning of the internal market, competition between the different categories of alcoholic drinks, the real value of the rates of duty and the wider objectives of the EC Treaty.

At this stage it can only be confirmed that the Commission is preparing a report, which is likely to be accompanied by a proposal for a Council Directive.

The Commission has not yet taken a decision on the report and proposal in question and is not yet in a position to comment on their possible contents. However, the Commission report will take into account all relevant issues.

(1) OJ L 316, 31.10.1992.