Question for written answer P-001434-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Manolis Kefalogiannis (PPE)

A few days ago, on 13 March 2019, the plenary voted in favour of a number of amendments, including those by the Greek MEP, Manolis Kefalogiannis, to the regulation on the labelling of spirit drinks, which specifically protect existing geographical indications and also the specific features of the alcoholic beverages sector, including tsikoudia and tsipouro, which are part of Greek tradition.

However, circular No 6ΖΖΚ46ΜP3Ζ-Β9Ζ of 28 February 2019 by the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue has caused great consternation among small Greek traditional distilleries of tsikoudia and tsipouro because it violates the principle of proportionality since it disproportionately affects their interests by requiring the removal of the words ‘tsikoudia/tsipouro’ and their replacement by the word ‘distillate’.

Given that such provisions pose a threat to the domestic production of these spirits, will the Commission say:

• 1.Is it aware of the above? Do these provisions derive from any obligations of Greece vis-à-vis the EU?
• 2.Does it consider that the ban on the indication ‘tsikoudia-tsipouro’ on products obtained by shopkeepers from small producers will protect the consumer from being misled?
• 3.What measures will it to take to protect and develop the tsikoudia and tsipouro production sector in Greece?