SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

The Minister Aims for Farm Sales in June

Criticism from Portugal delays the EU process for the government's proposal on farm sales of alcohol. But the government is still aiming to introduce farm sales on June 1.

» Published: October 09 2024

The Minister Aims for Farm Sales in June
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

Of course, we have taken into account that the EU process can take a little time, says Minister for Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed (KD).

So far, I see no reason to revise the timetable, but it assumes an EU process that does not drag on for too long.

In the last minute, Portugal protested against the government's bill to allow small-scale Swedish farm sales of wine, beer, gin, and other alcohol. Spanish wine producers, the European industry organization for wine producers, and several organizations that promote public health have also done so.

But when another member state submits a so-called detailed opinion, it carries more weight. Then the process is automatically extended by three months, and the Swedish government must respond to Portugal by January 8 at the latest.

The question is whether the proposal contravenes EU law and discriminates against foreign manufacturers.

Not entirely unexpected

It was not entirely unexpected that another EU country would have comments, according to Forssmed.

This is complex EU legal material we are dealing with, he says.

The government now has three options - to withdraw the bill, amend the proposal, or proceed as planned, but motivate why it does not intend to take into account the Portuguese objections.

Whether there will be any changes to the proposal is too early to say.

We need to analyze Portugal's statement first, says Forssmed.

The EU Commission chose not to submit an opinion when the deadline expired on October 8. This does not mean that the Commission gives the green light, only that it did not see anything alarming that it reacts to.

Unlike when it comes to state aid, the Commission does not have to approve the proposal.

Systembolaget's monopoly

The government believes that the limited sales that will be involved should be allowed and still defend Systembolaget's monopoly. One of the conditions is that the alcohol can only be purchased in connection with a visit to the vineyard, distillery, or microbrewery. Furthermore, there are restrictions on how much alcohol can be purchased.

The issue of farm sales is sensitive, as Sweden's model with Systembolaget is unique in the EU. Only in Finland and Sweden is it allowed for a company to have a monopoly on selling alcohol.

Critics have pointed out that farm sales could risk Systembolaget's monopoly if it is introduced.

Tags

TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Five charged for shooting at Israeli company

Five charged for shooting at Israeli company

Person found dead in Varberg – murder investigation underway

Person found dead in Varberg – murder investigation underway

Municipal Council Chairman Suspected of Attempted Rape

Municipal Council Chairman Suspected of Attempted Rape

Police: The Security Zone Had a Short-Term Effect

Police: The Security Zone Had a Short-Term Effect

Honor-related oppression in school to be mapped

Honor-related oppression in school to be mapped

Suspected Client of Skurup Murder Arrested

Suspected Client of Skurup Murder Arrested

Slaughtered in the basement – may be sentenced for animal cruelty

Slaughtered in the basement – may be sentenced for animal cruelty

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute warns of grass fires

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute warns of grass fires

Journalists' Association Warns - Harder to Scrutinize NATO

Journalists' Association Warns - Harder to Scrutinize NATO

Pupil got concussion – stranglehold in school

Pupil got concussion – stranglehold in school

Center Party: There are cheaper alternatives to new nuclear power

Center Party: There are cheaper alternatives to new nuclear power

Woman assaulted in Märsta – man charged with murder

Woman assaulted in Märsta – man charged with murder

Sick parrot didn't get care – owner prosecuted

Sick parrot didn't get care – owner prosecuted

So, public servants' protection will be strengthened

So, public servants' protection will be strengthened

The Gaming Inspectorate Criticizes S Lotteries

The Gaming Inspectorate Criticizes S Lotteries

Record number flee climate disasters

Record number flee climate disasters

Hultsfred introduces ban on laughing gas

Hultsfred introduces ban on laughing gas

Complaints to the Parliamentary Ombudsman increase – "there are risks"

Complaints to the Parliamentary Ombudsman increase – "there are risks"

This is how you get a grip on the future shoreline

This is how you get a grip on the future shoreline

Nine Convicted of Fraud via Dating Sites

Nine Convicted of Fraud via Dating Sites

Woman found dead – man arrested for murder

Woman found dead – man arrested for murder

Investigation of Millennium Failure Completed

Investigation of Millennium Failure Completed

16-year-old convicted of raping a minor girl

16-year-old convicted of raping a minor girl

Threatening S-Politician Relieved of Teaching Job

Threatening S-Politician Relieved of Teaching Job

Two Sentenced to 16 Years for Murder at Nightclub

Two Sentenced to 16 Years for Murder at Nightclub

Investigation: Violence and Threats Against Witnesses in the Lundin Case

Investigation: Violence and Threats Against Witnesses in the Lundin Case

That's why the Constitutional Committee is pausing its investigation of the Prime Minister

That's why the Constitutional Committee is pausing its investigation of the Prime Minister

All newborns to receive medicine against RS virus

All newborns to receive medicine against RS virus

School leader convicted - demanded nude photos from student

School leader convicted - demanded nude photos from student

The Minister: ADHD diagnoses are sold for payment

The Minister: ADHD diagnoses are sold for payment

Indictment: Shot and killed two in an apartment in Norrköping

Indictment: Shot and killed two in an apartment in Norrköping

Dog in collision with police car – being re-examined

Dog in collision with police car – being re-examined

The Gold Find – "Sensational" Neck Ring

The Gold Find – "Sensational" Neck Ring

Öresund Bridge reopened after car fire

Öresund Bridge reopened after car fire

Teacher Fired – Accused of Taping Children's Mouths

Teacher Fired – Accused of Taping Children's Mouths

Hospital evacuated after leak – now rectified

Hospital evacuated after leak – now rectified

Boy at foster home posted murder ads

Boy at foster home posted murder ads

The Investigation into the Oceana Fire Completed

The Investigation into the Oceana Fire Completed

Man charged with explosion and shot horse

Man charged with explosion and shot horse

Police Officer Charged - Suspected of Leaking Confidential Information

Police Officer Charged - Suspected of Leaking Confidential Information