European Parliament
Lage (PSE ).
(PT)
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, on Monday, the Commission granted non-European wine producers – in South Africa, Australia and the USA – authorisation to use three denominations of Port wine: Tawny, Ruby and Vintage. This decision by the Commission has provoked a furious reaction in the Port wine defined region, the oldest wine region in Europe, and will have a devastating impact on the legitimate interests of Port wine producers.
This is a disgraceful decision, one to which we object in the strongest possible terms. This is not just a matter of economics; it is both highly sensitive and a cultural issue. The EU must support Port wine, its authenticity and the trademarks that it has acquired.

