The Winegrowers and Winemakers of Ukraine association has asked the government to extend the transition period for the implementation of the conditions of the Association Agreement with the European Union from 5years to 10-15 years.
“With respect to the grape and wine industry, we insist on the extension of the transitional period to 10-15 years,” association director Serhiy Mykhailechko told Interfax-Ukraine.
According to him, five years is not enough for Ukrainian viticulturists and winemakers to manage to adapt to the conditions of the EU, which is due to the absence of any financial support for the industry.
“The Ukrainian and European wine industries will be put on equal footing, with the only difference being that our viticulturists and winemakers are on the verge of bankruptcy, and French, Spanish and Italian winemakers are supported by their states, which created the maximally best conditions for their development,” the expert said.
From 2012 Ukraine halted payments of 1.5% fees for the development of viticulture, whereby planters are forced to operate at a loss.
Among other concerns are the use of geographical names and the introduction of a unified system of excise taxes.
