MEPs adopted today, at the mini-plenary session in Brussels, the report on Geographical Indications (GIs) for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products. The clear majority in favour (603) gave the rapporteur MEP Paolo de Castro (IT, S&D) a strong mandate for the interinstitutional negotiations starting on 6 June. Copa-and Cogeca welcome the outcome of the vote which safeguards and improves the GI system in significant ways.
GIs constitute a unique EU system that allows for the valorisation of products, the Union’s culinary heritage and the efforts of their producers. They play an important role for rural development and especially for the rural communities to which they are attached, aiding to preserve the culture, know-how, as well animal and plant varieties. GIs are a true European success story and much more than intellectual property rights concurrently contributing to the agricultural economy and the regional development.
The report voted today further strengthens the system of Geographical Indications. It ensures that the Commission will be fully in charge of the applications for registration, amendments, oppositions, and cancellations of GIs. In addition to this, it reinforces the protection of GIs online and their use as ingredients, and ensures greater alignment among the different sectors, while safeguarding their specificities.
This is the case for wine, which thanks to the compromise found in ComAGRI, will see its rules remain substantially within the common agricultural policy (labelling, sustainability undertakings and general principles of protection). At the same time, the sector will be able to benefit from having certain provisions (procedure, producers organisations and details of the upgraded protection) integrated into the horizontal legislation alongside spirits and agricultural products.
Copa and Cogeca welcome the report which significantly improves the European Commission’s proposal presented on 31 March 2022. The result makes sure that EU quality schemes will continue to be a clear added value for the sectors.
We call on the Council to take a close look at what MEPs have agreed on and reflect the good work done by the rapporteur and the shadows rapporteurs, in particular as regards the so-called wine package.
Artigo publicado originalmente em Copa Cogeca.
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