Spirit drinks: definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications

The Presidency noted that a broad majority within the Council could support the general approach on the proposal for a Regulation on the definition, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks, as a preliminary basis for discussions with the European Parliament.

The Council noted the views expressed by delegations and the intention of the Presidency to keep the Special Committee on Agriculture fully informed and updated on its discussions with the European Parliament, as well as to return to the legal and WTO aspects of this file.

The aim of the Finnish Presidency is to make as much progress as possible on this proposal towards reaching a political agreement with the European Parliament at first reading.