[co-author: Nikolaus von Bargen]

The European Commission confirmed the conclusion of these negotiations in a press release issued on 6 November. The agreement takes into account the commitments made at the 2019 EU-China Summit and reflects mutual openness and respect for international rules as a basis for trade relations.

Specifically, the agreement initially protects 100 European geographical indications in China and 100 Chinese geographical indications in the EU. The list of indications to be protected in China includes products such as Champagne, Feta, Irish Whiskey, Ouzo, Prosciutto di Parma or Queso Manchego.

The recent cases of "Glen Buchenbach" (see our article) or "Queso Manchego" (see also our article) showed how important the protection of designations of origin is for the European market. In recent years, however, demand for authentic, high-quality European foods and beverages has also increased, especially in China. According to the EU Commission, China is now the second most important market for EU exports of products with a protected geographical indication. In view of the continuing enormous growth potential of the Chinese market, EU Agriculture Commissioner Hogan praised the conclusion of the agreement as a win-win situation for the European agricultural and food sector.

The bilateral agreement also takes account of the discernible growth trend: Four years after its entry into force, its scope will be extended to a further 175 products each with geographical indications.

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