Brussels, 28/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - On 20 April, the European Commission adopted the text of the agreement concluded at the end of July 2010 between the European Union and Georgia on the protection of their respective geographical indications (see EUROPE 10191 on the announcement of this agreement).
The text, which will be sent to the Council and the European Parliament for approval, points out that, for the EU, these negotiations are aimed at achieving two objectives: developing the use and protection of the geographical indication system (Georgia will protect the whole list of the EU's geographical indications) and intervening at the source of possible irregularities involving the EU's geographical indications. Georgia is seeking to develop and protect its current geographical indications on EU territory and strengthen its relations with the EU. There are 18 Georgian wines protected within the EU: Akhasheni, Atenuri, Gurjaani, Kakheti (Kakhuri), Kardenakhi, Khvanchkara, Kotekhi, Kindzmarauli, Kvareli, Manavi, Mukuzani, Napareuli, Sviri, Teliani, Tibaani, Tsinandali, Tvishi and Vazisubani.
The Commission points out that this text is the result of bilateral negotiations carried out since July 2007 and concluded in July 2010. The agreement seeks to promote the mutual protection of geographical indications (PDO for Protected Denominations of Origin and PGI for Protected Geographical Indications), which will be protected by the respective parties. (L.C./trans.fl)