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Portugal opposes Swedish farm sales – EU response is delayed

by AI | 08.Oct 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Sweden wants to allow small-scale farm sales of alcohol, but must wait for the green light from the EU. Now Portugal has submitted comments at the last minute, so the EU’s response is delayed.

Should small-scale farm sales be allowed in Sweden? Photo: Patrick Pleul/dpa

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Stockholm – The Swedish government wants to allow small-scale farm sales of wine, beer, and other alcohol from June 1, 2025. The bill is currently with the EU Commission for review. The question is whether the proposal violates EU law and discriminates against foreign manufacturers.

For a period, various stakeholders have had the opportunity to submit their views on the bill. Spanish wine producers have protested, as has the European industry organization for wine producers.

On Monday, Portugal submitted a so-called detailed opinion, which results in the entire process being delayed by an additional three months. This happens automatically when another member state has objections. Thus, there will be no decision from the EU Commission this week, as previously planned, but the decision is postponed to January 8 next year.

So far, it is not publicly known exactly what objections Portugal has.

The question of farm sales has an extra dimension because Sweden’s model with Systembolaget is unique in the EU. Only in Finland and Sweden is a company allowed to have a monopoly on selling alcohol.

(October 7)

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