Brussels, June 18, 2025 (Lusa) - The European Commission gave Portugal two months on Wednesday to comply with European Union legislation on excise duties on wine, as the country applies a zero rate to some stronger wines.

As part of the infringement package announced today, the Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Portugal, encouraging full compliance with EU rules on excise duties on wine.

"EU legislation on excise duties allows authorities to apply a zero excise duty to wine. Stronger wines, with an alcohol content of between 15% and 18% by volume, can benefit from this treatment when their alcohol content is obtained naturally. If producers increase the alcohol content, for example by adding sugar or alcohol, The institution said in a statement that authorities must levy a higher excise duty, and Portuguese legislation currently omits this condition."

Therefore, according to the European Commission, “these products incorrectly benefit from the zero rate applicable in Portugal to wine.”

Brussels decided today to issue a reasoned opinion to Lisbon, giving Portugal two months to respond and take the necessary measures.

If it fails to do so, the European Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Today, the EU announced that it would take Portugal to the EU Court of Justice for failing to transpose into national law rules on excise duties and the harmonisation of excise duties on alcohol and alcoholic beverages.

ANE/ADB // ADB.

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