Brussels, 29/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 29 July, the European Union and Georgia concluded negotiations on a bilateral agreement on the protection of their respective geographical indications, a European Commission press release states. The agreement will promote trade in agricultural products and foodstuffs originating in the territories of both Georgia and the European Union.
Georgia, which is traditionally renowned for the quality of its agricultural products and especially for its wine production, is the first among EU neighbourhood countries to enter into such an agreement with the EU. The use of a geographical indication provides certification that a product possesses certain qualities or enjoys a certain reputation due to the fact that it has been produced in a given region according to a specific process.
The initial protection of 18 wine geographical indications originating from Georgia could be a stimulus and set an example for the application of this kind of protection for other product categories. “The agreement should serve as a dynamic instrument that will lead to the improvement of the quality of the products traded between the European Union and Georgia. It will introduce a mechanism for updates and for regular consultations, which will be of particular utility when it comes to integrating new products in the list of the geographical indications”, the press release states. The agreement could also promote the taking of new initiatives in the tourism sector and the launching of new commercial strategies.
Negotiations were aimed at reducing bad practice and abusive use of product names. The agreement is supposed to ensure respect of agricultural traditions as well as better protection of consumers' rights. Consumers should no longer be misled over the origin of the products. The agreement also meets the wish expressed by EU member states to promote the protection of geographical indications at international level. In the same way, the Commission points out, “it is a reflection of the converging views of the European Union and Georgia on matters like consumer protection and intellectual property”.
There are 18 Georgian wines protected within the EU. These wines come under the names Akhasheni, Atenuri, Gurjaani, Kakheti (Kakhuri), Kardenakhi, Khvanchkara, Kotekhi, Kindzmarauli, Kvareli, Manavi, Mukuzani, Napareuli, Sviri, Teliani, Tibaani, Tsinandali, Tvishi and Vazishubani.
With this agreement, Georgia brings its national legislation into line with the strictest international standards on the protection of intellectual property rights. The system of geographical indications, with the growing number of registrations, is a major part of quality policy as conducted by the European Union. Some 3,000 products are currently registered.
Although the agreement is the first to be signed with an EU neighbourhood country, there are others on the table. Such is the case for Moldova and Ukraine. The Commission also has a brief for negotiating with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Belarus. For Belarus, however, contacts have been frozen for political reasons. (J.I./transl.jl)