Two EU commissioners together for the first time at Vinitaly 2025
“We will make every effort to de-escalate trade tensions with the United States. Tariffs hurt farmers, businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic – and that is in no one’s best interests. We must avoid the push towards inflation generated by duties. I hope common sense will prevails.” So said the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Christophe Hansen, today while visiting Vinitaly for the first time on the invitation of the Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida.
“The current European political context,” the Commissioner added, “will encourage dialogue and negotiations with other third countries, including India. This international pressure must be used to open new markets.” Against this background, the Commissioner listed the main action for ‘agro-food diplomacy’: “In June I will accompany a delegation of European producers to Japan, a very flourishing market where we already have a trade agreement. We also clearly need to work in other parts of the world, starting with Mercosur – which is a very interesting destination even for high quality food products. Other target countries include India, a market with very high potential as yet largely unexplored by our sector.” As regards the Wine Package presented a few days ago, Hansen said he was “optimistic, since the approval process should proceed quickly, hopefully by Autumn. The Package already contains measures that will simplify promotion.”
Hansen was also joined on this visit to Vinitaly by the European Commissioner for Animal Health and Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi. This is the first time that two European Commissioners have ever jointly attended Vinitaly, confirming the central role of the international wine and spirits exhibition as an institutional platform for dialogue and discussion between the European Union, ministries, associations and business.
– “Drinking a glass of wine at lunch or dinner is a personal choice yet is also part of the Mediterranean diet. Consequently, very moderate and balanced consumption can be can well accompany the food we eat. When talking about wine, we are not merely talking about alcohol: It is a unique product, not the least for its microbiological effects. Food and drink are not simply about nutrition and survival: They are aspects of what makes life enjoyable and also play a central role in our European heritage. What we eat and drink is part of who we are.” So said the European Commissioner for Animal Health and Welfare, Two EU commissioners together for the first time at Vinitaly 2025, today on his first ever visit to Vinitaly (scheduled until Wednesday 9 April at Veronafiere).
During the meeting with the President of Veronafiere, Federico Bricolo, and General Manager, Adolfo Rebughini, the European Commissioners expressed their interest in market dynamics, international activities and the role of Vinitaly as a system-tool promoting Italian wine worldwide. The discussion also focused on the investment strategies needed to address the transformation of the wine sector, paying special attention to sustainability, simplification of regulations and the opening of new markets.
From left, Christophe Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development; Olivér Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Animal Health and Welfare; Francesco Lollobrigida Minister Masaf and the President of Veronafiere, Federico Bricolo