AREV launches in Strasbourg a call for a proudly winegrowing Europe

By: |Published on: Oct 21, 2025||

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Gathered in Strasbourg on 20 and 21 October at the invitation of the Grand Est Region, the General Assembly of the Assembly of European Wine Regions (AREV) and the European Committee of Wine Professionals (CEPV), together with Farm Europe, La Coopération Agricole and Iter Vitis, jointly organised the European Wine Day.

These events brought together the entire European wine sector — from production to marketing — representing over 41 wine regions.

A sector in turmoil
European viticulture is currently facing a multifaceted crisis:
  • Structural decline and changing consumption habits,
  • The effects of climate change,
  • The return of trade barriers,
  • Growing stigmatisation of wine consumption,
  • Excessive regulatory inflation.
Combined, these factors severely weaken the future of a sector that remains essential to Europe’s economy, culture and territorial cohesion.
The European Commissioner for Agriculture alongside winegrowers
European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen attended the event to express his support and listen to a profession in distress.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the sector through innovation, climate adaptation and generational renewal.
Alongside him, more than eight Members of the European Parliament, as well as national MPs and regional vice-presidents, took part in the discussions.
Among them, Herbert Dorfmann, Céline Imart, Carlo Fidanza, Esther Herranz Garcia, Dario Nardella, Carmen Crespo, Claire Fita and Eric Sargiacomo all underlined the need for an ambitious Common Agricultural Policy, the cultural role of the vine and the establishment of an appropriate European framework.
A sector seeking renewal
The conference concluded with a speech by journalist Olivier Dauvers, calling for a reinvention of wine communication and marketing to rebuild dialogue with younger generations.
The Strasbourg Appeal: a manifesto for a strong winegrowing Europe
Under the leadership of its president Franck Leroy, President of the Grand Est Region, AREV presented the Strasbourg Appeal, a political manifesto signed by member regions and by other organisations, including ANEV (National Association of Elected Officials of Wine), represented by its president, Senator Klinger.
Addressed to the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Member States, the appeal calls for giving Regions the means to act, taking into account their local specificities and their decisive role in implementing wine policies.

We demand that local and regional authorities be fully involved in shaping the future of the wine sector,” declared Franck Leroy.

And he concluded: “Because Europe cannot abandon its roots, we will continue, together, to defend our vineyards, our producers and our wine regions — so that the vine remains, tomorrow as today, a symbol of life, culture and European pride.”

AREV
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