EU-China: Council authorises signature of the agreement on geographical indications

The Council today adopted decisions on the signature of the agreement between the European Union and the government of the People's Republic of China on geographical indications (GIs).

This is the first significant bilateral trade agreement signed between the EU and China.

It will ensure that 100 EU agri-food GIs ("Geographical Indications") such as Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, Languedoc wine, Polska Wódka or Elia Kalamatas get protection on the Chinese market. Likewise, 100 Chinese products will be protected in the EU, thereby ensuring mutual respect of the best of both agricultural traditions.

Read More at:
EU-China: Council authorises signature of the agreement on geographical indications - Consilium

EU Trade agreement with Mexico: EU and Mexico fail to conclude political agreement on trade deal – by Iana Dreyer

European trade officials had been more optimistic about the prospects for a deal with Mexico than with the South American bloc Mercosur, talks towards which ended in a limbo in early December.

But European Commission hopes to announce a ‘political agreement’ with Mexico by year-end were nonetheless dashed.

The issues that required ironing out over the last days included market access in agriculture, agreement over a few geographical indications on cheeses (such as Manchego) and the EU’s investment court system.

EU trade chief Cecilia Malmström said today: “We are confident we can solve all the remaining political issues. But we need a little bit more time.”

Read more: EU and Mexico fail to conclude political agreement on trade deal – EURACTIV.com