On 6 November, the European Union and the People's Republic of China concluded negotiations on a bilateral agreement that will provide protection for 100 European Geographical Indications in China. The agreement—which also provides for the reciprocal recognition and protection of 100 Chinese GIs in Europe—is of fundamental importance in the fight against the counterfeiting of European products in the Asian nation.

This historic agreement is made even more significant by the fact that China is the second-largest destination for European agri-food exports; in this regard, for the period between September 2018 and August 2019, the total value of European exports to the Asian country amounted to €12.8 billion.

From a procedural standpoint, the next step is the legal scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council, both of which must grant their approval. The agreement is expected to enter into force by the end of 2020.

Among the most renowned Lombard products covered by this measure are cheeses such as Asiago, Gorgonzola, and Taleggio, as well as other products including Bresaola della Valtellina and Franciacorta wine. The complete list of products covered by the measure can be downloaded at the bottom of this news item.

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