The Government wants to allow small-scale farm sales of wine, beer, and other alcohol from June 1, 2025. The legislative proposal is currently with the EU Commission in Brussels for review. The question is whether the proposal violates EU law and discriminates against foreign manufacturers.
During a period, various stakeholders have had the opportunity to submit their comments on the legislative proposal. Spanish wine producers have protested, as has the European branch organization for wine producers.
The Process is Delayed
On Monday, Portugal submitted a so-called detailed opinion, which will delay the entire process by another three months. This happens automatically when another member state has objections. Therefore, there will be no decision from the EU Commission this week, as previously planned, but the decision will be postponed until January 8 next year.
The concerned member state, in this case, Sweden, must take into account the detailed opinion, says Johanna Bernsel, spokesperson for the EU Commission's Internal Market department.
So far, it is not publicly known exactly what objections Portugal has.
Extra Dimension
However, the Government believes that the limited sales that will be allowed should be permitted. One of the conditions is that the alcohol can only be purchased in connection with a visit to the vineyard, distillery, or microbrewery. Additionally, there are limitations on how much alcohol can be purchased.
The issue of farm sales also has an extra dimension since Sweden's model with Systembolaget is unique in the EU. Only in Finland and Sweden is it allowed for a company to have a monopoly on selling alcohol.
Critics have pointed out that farm sales could risk Systembolaget's monopoly if it is introduced.
