New Regulation on EU Geographical Indications for Wine, Spirit Drinks and Agricultural Products

The political agreement agreed by the European Parliament and Council to reform and enhance the geographical indications (GIs) system for wine, spirit beverages, and agricultural products is welcomed by the European Commission (EC).

The new Regulation aims to boost the adoption of GIs throughout the European Union (EU), offering enhanced protection, particularly in the online sphere. With this Regulation, it is intended to foster the continued growth of the EU's exceptional food quality and standards while safeguarding our cultural, culinary, and regional traditions, ensuring their recognized authenticity both within the EU and globally.

The new Regulation on EU geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products will strengthen and improve the existing GI system by:

• Introducing a single legal framework and a shortened, simplified registration procedure
• Increasing protection of GIs as ingredients and online
• Recognising sustainable practices
• Empowering producers' groups

The enforcement of GIs remains the responsibility of Member States including the monitoring of appropriate use of registered terms and the prevention of fraudulent production, sale, and utilization of GIs. The Commission retains its role in the registration, modification, and cancellation of all registrations. The political agreement achieved by the European Parliament, Council, and Commission must now undergo formal approval by the co-legislative bodies.