A working document from the European Commission has sparked concerns in the Italian and broader European wine sectors regarding potential changes to alcohol taxation.

The document states, 'Work is underway to revise the directive on minimum rates of excise duty to apply to alcoholic beverages,' as part of the EU Plan to Combat Cancer (BECA), initiated in 2021. The Commission emphasizes that taxing alcohol, which includes wine, is seen as a strategic tool in the EU's preventive health measures.

The review of taxation regulations on alcohol, including the cross-border sale of alcoholic beverages, was outlined in the roadmap created five years ago, aimed at addressing the health impacts related to alcohol consumption, which accounted for over 1.3 million deaths in the EU in 2022. According to the Commission’s document dated February 4, 2025, 'Overall, implementation is well on track, with over 90 percent of actions completed or underway.' However, specifics regarding the timeline for when a revision proposal will be presented remain unspecified.

Currently, the excise tax on wine and other fermented beverages is set at a minimum rate of zero, contrasting with positive tax rates applied to beer, intermediate products, and ethyl alcohol.

The Commission noted that 'the market is evolving' and emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive evaluation.

This assessment will facilitate discussions with member states regarding the next steps in tax regulation.

The BECA plan also encompasses the regulation of consumer information and alcohol advertising.

A proposal for health warnings on alcoholic beverage labels mirrors existing practices for tobacco products and has been reiterated in the working paper.

In 2020, the Commission conducted an external study and engaged in dialogue with national authorities and stakeholders, allowing feedback on an evaluation roadmap through public consultations in 2021. The Commission has stressed that any future analysis will aim to balance the free movement of goods, tax revenue for member states, public health interests, and efforts to prevent fraud.

The proposed revisions have met with resistance from the Unione Italiana Vini, which has called on member states and particularly Italian MEPs to reject the document, alleging it was drafted without adequate public consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The political group League has echoed this stance, questioning the motives behind the proposals.

Anna Maria Cisint, the first signatory of the League’s inquiry to the European Commission, described the initiative as a 'dangerous crusade that hides behind healthy good intentions.'

It is noted that despite the working report's implications, formal legislative processes have not yet commenced.

Once the Commission develops formal proposals, these will be reviewed by parliamentary committees and member states.

Alessandra Moretti, a Democratic Party MEP and member of the new Public Health Committee, underscored the importance of advancing the strategy to combat cancer.

She stated, 'It is essential to implement the plan to fight against cancer.'

Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen has acknowledged the need for action, indicating plans to propose a package of specific measures targeting the wine sector as early as March, intended to address immediate challenges without awaiting reforms from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

In Italy, the National Health Service allocates approximately 16 billion euros annually to cover cancer-related expenses, which constitutes 14 percent of the total healthcare budget.

In light of this, proponents of the tax review suggest that increased taxation on alcohol could contribute to funding the social and health costs associated with alcohol-related diseases.