Brussels, 8 December 2017 – After several months of technical work and intense discussions, Commissioner Malmström has announced today the conclusion of the trade agreement between the EU and Japan. The European wine sector applauds this agreement and calls upon a swift ratification so as to ensure a quick entry into force.

"Today, Japan is the 5th export market for EU wines. But we can do much better. Once entered into force, the agreement will improve access for our wines and will level the playing field with our main competitors in this key market.” said Jean-Marie Barillère, President of CEEV. "This agreement will boost our exports to Japan and will enhance our position as export leaders", he added.

The free trade agreement will provide valuable preferential access to EU wines and will dismantle technical barriers that are currently hindering the wine trade.

CEEV also welcomes Japan’s agreement to recognise the EU system of Geographical Indications (GIs) that will protect our agri-food products from usurpations. Such recognition is particularly important for the EU wine sector, which is deeply rooted in rural areas.

"We remain strong supporters of the European Commission's ambitious trade agenda. Trade agreements are critical components of EU wines’ competitiveness in the international marketplace" said Dr Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV. "CEEV applauds the EU’s momentum on free trade agreements and hopes to see it continue with an agreement with Mercosur countries at the same level of ambitions in regard to market access, GIs protection and removal of technical barriers to wine trade", he concluded.

---END---

Note to Editors:

• Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV – www.ceev.eu) represents the wine companies in the industry and trade in the European Union: still wines, aromatised wines, sparkling wines, liqueur wines and other vine products. It brings together 24 national organisations and its members produce and market the vast majority of quality European wines, with and without a geographical indication, and account for over 90% of European wine exports.
• With around €10,8 billion € worth of exports every year, the EU wine sector makes a contribution of almost €7,8 billion to the EU trade balance.