PURPOSE: conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova on the protection of geographical indications of agricultural products and foodstuffs.
PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.
LEGAL BASIS: the first subparagraph of 207(4) first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) and Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
CONTENT: the European Union and Moldova, aim at the mutual protection of geographical indications (GIs) 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.
The negotiations proceeded smoothly.
- For the EU, these negotiations had two objectives: on one hand expansion of the protection and use of the geographical indications system (the Republic of Moldova will protect the full list of EU GIs), on the other hand intervention at the source of potential misuses of EU GIs.
- Reciprocally, the Republic of Moldova has an interest to develop and protect their current geographical indications in the EU territory and strengthen its relation with the EU.
The present proposal is the result of bilateral negotiations concluded on 18 April 2011. 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.