Brussels, 19/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 19 January, the Council of Ministers of the EU adopted, without debate, the draft agreement between the European Union and Switzerland. This agreement protects their respective Geographical Indications (GIs) for agricultural products and foodstuffs (EUROPE 10255). This agreement amends the previous agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation.
The agreement will promote bilateral protection of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products and those possessing Geographical Indications (GIs). It will also help improve conditions for the bilateral trade in agricultural products. The agreement covers geographical indications registered before 15 September 2009: around 800 geographical indications currently registered in the EU and 22 registered in Switzerland. Some of the protected Swiss products in the EU include spices, cheese ('Gruyère'…) and charcuterie products. The European Parliament will still have to give its verdict on this text before it can enter into force. (L.C./transl.fl)