Though Madeira is long associated with wine, the Portuguese Government has now successfully persuaded the EU Commission that to compete, excise duties on Madeira brewed beer should be reduced.

While the volumes involved are not high, the arguments and the rationale behind the decision are of interest in discussions on the application of Freedom of Establishment and State Aid rules. The full document is at http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/taxation/excise_duties/alcoholic_beverages/COM(2007)772_en.pdf.