Considerations on COM(2016)523 - Conclusion of an agreement with Iceland on the protection of geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs

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dossier COM(2016)523 - Conclusion of an agreement with Iceland on the protection of geographical indications for agricultural products and ...
document COM(2016)523 EN
date October  9, 2017
 
table>(1)In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2016/2136 (1) the Agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the protection of geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs (‘the Agreement’) was signed by the Commission on 23 March 2017, subject to its conclusion at a later date.
(2)The Parties agree to promote between each other the harmonious development of geographical indications as defined in Article 22(1) of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) (2) and to foster trade in agricultural products and foodstuffs with geographical indications originating in the Parties' territories.

(3)Under the Agreement, although Iceland has not yet registered any protected geographical indications, geographical indications of Union agricultural products and foodstuffs will be protected in Iceland. The Agreement provides for a mechanism for updating the geographical indications list and for including new geographical indications at a later stage through a Joint Committee process.

(4)Certain tasks for the implementation of the Agreement have been assigned to the Joint Committee set up pursuant to Article 10 of the Agreement, including the power to amend certain technical aspects of the Agreement and certain Annexes thereto. The procedure for establishing the Union's position in that Joint Committee on matters relating to the Agreement should be defined.

(5)The Agreement should be approved,