EU Council confirms opening of European market for Moldovan wines from january 2014

Following the European Parliament’s decision, the European Union Council has also decided to open the EU market to wines from Moldova from January 1, 2014.

According to foreign mass media, the EU Council of Foreign Ministers approved the provision, proposed to the European Commission by European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Ciolos and supported by the European Parliament, which stipulates the applying of a zero percent customs rate on the import of wines from Moldova.

Commissioner Ciolos said that the promptness of this unanimous decision proves that the European Union is not only demonstrating political solidarity with its partners but is also ready to make concrete economic steps.

“I am sure that Moldovan wines will find their place on the European market. The wine sector is particularly important for Moldova”, said the European Commissioner, and expressed hope that the opening of the EU market will be accompanied with investments in the production of quality wines and in development of the wine sector.

As already reported by Infotag, until now Moldova has been in a regime of autonomous trade preferences provided by the European Union. After RosPotrebNadzor [Russian federal supervisory agency for consumer goods quality] had prohibited the importation of wines from Moldova last September 11, Commissioner Dacian Ciolos stood up with an initiative to open the EU market for Moldovan wines without waiting for signature of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union. On December 10, the European Parliament approved that proposal.

According to latest data, exports to Russia account for 28% Moldova’s total wine exports, and for 24% brandy, liqueur and vodka exports. Before Russia had slapped an embargo on wine imports from Moldova, this republic used to sell 80% its wine output in the Russian Federation.

Since last September 11, Moldova has already lost over US$20 million due to a new suspension of its wine exports to Russia.

Adapted from Infotag