EU PARLIAMENT SIDES WITH NORTHERN VINTNERS

The European Parliament voted yesterday (December 12) against a ban on adding sugar to wine, a popular technique in northern European countries. The EU agricultural ministers are expected to finalize a compromise on the reform next week. The parliament's role is only consultative, and governments can overrule the assembly on any of the amendments. But the vote by EU lawmakers -- some of them originally farmers by profession -- is an important indicator of trends in the member states.

The EU member states hope to reach a deal by the end of the year, although the most contentious issues are yet to be settles, according to the AP. To read more, click here.