The Assembly,
Considering that wine and vine products harvested in Europe represent the greater part of world production and that there is a vigorous international trade in these commodities ;
Having regard to the importance of vine-growing for the international economy and trade of European countries ;
Believing that there are disparities between national legislations which may prejudice the wine market and international trade in wine ;
Having regard to the need to consider the effect of the entry into force of the European Economic Community Treaty and of the possible establishment of a European Economic Association ;
Emphasising that while, as provided for under the Madrid Convention, it is important to prevent international fraud, it is also important, in the interest of consumers, the trade and producers, to aim at a high-quality product such as will facilitate marketing and offer every guarantee :
Noting :
that most vineyards are family undertakings and as such are highly sensitive to changes in traditional habits or in regulations ;
that, from the outset, every effort must be made to promote the success of a project which, in view of the broad sector it covers, can further the progress of European economic integration ;
that any treaty, convention or agreement concluded without the consent or the participation of those concerned, may cause apprehension and produce results different from those intended ;
that the harmonisation of legislation in this branch of agriculture raises complex economic, social and political problems, which can only be solved with the help of the trade organisations and that, moreover, most of the countries concerned have long-established associations of this type enjoying the confidence of the parties concerned,
Hopes that the countries of Western Europe which are not Members of the Council of Europe but are large producers of wines and spirits will participate in this work, a principle already accepted in the Food and Agriculture Directorate of O.E.E.C. ;
For these reasons, invites its Committee on Agriculture to organise without delay a conference with the various specialised and qualified national associations of the countries concerned. This conference, made up of a small number of highly representative personalities, would guide the experts, whose designation is recommended hereunder, in their work, follow their proceedings, and make suggestions for obtaining a favourable response from the various economic sectors concerned ;
Recommends that the Committee of Ministers arrange as soon as possible a meeting of a group of experts with instructions :
to prepare, in co-operation with the appointed representatives of the Committee on Agriculture, and after consultation with trade organisations, a draft Convention which would lay down the general lines of a common policy for the production and marketing of vine products and spirits and for the protection of trade names which are warranties of origin ;
to plan the structure and operation, if necessary by means of partial agreements, of bodies qualified to ensure the effective implementation of the proposed Convention or agreement