Proposal for a Council Decision establishing the position to be adopted on behalf of the European Union with regard to certain resolutions to be voted in the framework of the International Organisation for Vine and Wine (OIV)

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) is an intergovernmental scientific and technical organisation active in the sector of vine, wine, wine-based drinks, table grapes, raisins and other vine products. The objectives of the OIV are (i) to inform via publications and organisation of events and symposiums, (ii) to assist other international organisations involved in standardisation activities and (iii) to contribute to international harmonisation of existing practices and standards. Currently 44 States are members of the OIV, among which 20 are Member States of the Union. The EU is currently not a member of the OIV.

At EU level, pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 of 22 October 2007 establishing a common organisation of agricultural markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural products (Single CMO Regulation, OJ L 299, p.1), certain resolutions adopted and published by the OIV affect EU law.

Similarly, pursuant to the Commission Regulation (EC) No 2870/2000 of 19 December 2000 laying down Community reference methods for the analysis of spirits drinks (OJ L 333, p.20) certain resolutions adopted and published by the OIV affect EU law. Article 3 of Regulation 2870/2000 provides for reference to OIV resolutions where Community analytical reference methods are not laid down for the detection and quantification of substances contained in a particular spirit drink.

On the basis of discussions held within the groups of experts meeting to prepare the General Assembly of the OIV, it can be expected that a number of Resolutions, producing legal effect within the EU acquis, will be on the agenda of the General Assembly for adoption. These resolutions have been extensively discussed between scientific and technical experts of the wine sector. They contribute to the international harmonisation of the wine standard and they will set a framework which will ensure fair competition in the trading of wine sector products. They should therefore be supported.

EUR-Lex: COM(2013)243: Follow the progress of this proposal through the decision-making procedure http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2013:243:FIN

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