Brussels, 06/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 6 June, the European Commission announced the successful conclusion of negotiations for a new bilateral agreement between the EU and Australia on wine sales. The text has still to be approved by the Council of Ministers and the Australian government, before it can be officially signed. The Commission states that the agreement, which will replace another agreement dating from 1994, guarantees full protection of the European geographical indications and EU wine labelling rules. Australia undertakes to protect EU traditional expressions (château, clos, noble, ruby…). Most of all, however, it will force Australian operators to abandon the use of the most prestigious Community denominations in the very near future. The European geographical indications are fully protected in Australia under this agreement. Australia has committed no longer to use the European denominations “Champagne” and “Port”, either for its own market or for export. It will give up use of both of these appellations within a year of the entry into force of the agreement. The agreement provides for longer transitional periods (10 years) for other names, such as Tokay.
The arrangements will protect the European system of wine labelling, by drawing up a list of the indications which can feature on the bottles of certain Australian wines (varieties, any awards won, colours of the product) and by preventing Australian operators from using certain varieties on their wines (“Hermitage”, “Lambrusco”), a year after the entry into force of the agreement. The agreement also includes provisions for the mutual recognition of certain wine-making practices and certification procedures for wines exported by the EU to Australia. (lc)