The Global Alliance of Geographical Indications (GIs) welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to the Council for the signature and conclusion of two trade agreements: the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and the EU-Mexico Modernised Global Agreement (MGA).

Once the respective ratification processes are complete, over 330 European GIs will receive enhanced protection across key Latin American markets. In Mexico, this will add to the 232 EU spirit GIs already protected since 1997. On the other hand, approximately 220 GIs from Mercosur countries and 20 GIs from Mexico will be granted full protection within the European Single Market (six Mexican spirit GIs have enjoyed EU protection since 1997). This in the context of free trade agreements that will lower tariffs and other...