The Grand Est Region welcomes the unanimous election of its President, Franck Leroy, as head of the Assembly of European Wine Regions (AREV), for a renewable two-year term. This election, which took place yesterday at the AREV Extraordinary General Assembly, marks an essential step in strengthening the voice of European wine-growing regions in the face of the challenges facing our vineyards.
AREV brings together elected representatives and professionals from some 40 European wine-growing regions; its role is to defend the interests of the sector in dealings with EU institutions. At a time when the European Union’s agricultural and environmental policies are being completely overhauled, the appointment of Franck Leroy is part of a collective mobilization in favor of the agro-ecological transition of vineyards and the search for concrete solutions to the challenges facing the profession.
A strong commitment for a sector under pressure
In a complex international context, marked by climate change, trade tensions and evolving European regulations, the wine sector faces major challenges: adaptation to climate change, reduction of inputs, market restructuring, increased international competition, and changes in consumption.
“I am convinced that the European wine-growing regions have everything to gain from uniting to promote their interests. We must be a driving force to anticipate, support and invent concrete solutions to preserve the central role of wine-growing in our regions, while meeting environmental and societal requirements,” said Franck Leroy.
In the Grand Est region, the wine industry, through the vineyards of Champagne, Alsace and Moselle, is both an economic and agricultural pillar and a marker of territorial identity. It rejoined AREV in 2025 as part of its 2024-2027 wine industry contract, and thus wishes to assert its leading role in representing French and European wine interests.
A mandate to anticipate, support and defend the wine industry at the European level
This mandate will be an opportunity to work collectively with the member regions of the AREV and European wine professionals in connection with the intense European legislative agenda. A few key issues have already been identified, including: innovation and research for the (environmental and economic) performance of wineries; the promotion of European viticulture on international markets; and adaptation to climate change. With this election, the Grand Est Region confirms its commitment to the major European issues and to dynamic, sustainable and innovative winegrowing.
President Franck Leroy thanks all the AREV member regions for their trust, and thanks Mr. Emiliano García-Page, outgoing president, for his commitment and the work accomplished in the service of European wine-growing regions.
