The European Commission’s new “Wine Package” is a troubling paradox: while public awareness of alcohol harms grows and consumption declines, Brussels is doubling down on subsidies for a troubled, health-harming industry. Instead of protecting public health, the Commission proposes – among other things – QR codes over real warning labels – offering consumers illusions instead of information. Behind this new proposal lies the powerful influence of Big Wine, whose lobbying has turned EU institutions into defenders of private profit over public interest. This proposal raises fundamental questions about the EU’s commitment to fairness, health, and its own core values, write Rebecka, Otto, and Emil.
