EU/Georgia Agreement: protection of geographical indications of agricultural products and foodstuffs

PURPOSE: conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on protection of geographical indications of agricultural products and foodstuffs.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 207(4) first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

CONTENT: the Commission negotiated, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on the protection of geographical indications of agricultural products and foodstuffs.

The present proposal is the result of bilateral negotiations, conducted from July 2007 and concluded on July 2010. The agreement provides for a mutual protection of geographical indications (PDOs and PGIs) protected in the respective Parties, in order to improve the conditions of bilateral trade as well as to promote the quality in the food chain and stimulate the value for sustainable rural development.

It is proposed that the Agreement be concluded on behalf of the Union.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: this proposal has no implications for the EU budget.