Regional artisanal products such as traditional costumes receive a quality mark. This is to guarantee quality and to protect against counterfeiting.
The EU has a special gift for creating cumbersome and unappealing names – thereby hiding good results. For example, behind the cumbersome “Regulation on the Protection of Geographical Indications for Craft and Industrial Products” lies an agreement that satisfies local businesses.
The European Commission, Parliament and Member States have agreed on a new label for traditional products such as porcelain, glass, textiles and jewellery. The system should function in the same way as in the food sector. Real champagne only comes from the Champagne region, the Marchfeld asparagus only from the Marchfeld and the Vorarlberger Bergkäse only from the Ländle.
For craft products, which enjoy a good reputation far beyond the borders, such protection does not yet exist at EU level. This is going to change. Special regional and artisanal goods will receive a quality mark in the future. The list includes Augarten porcelain, the original Viennese snow globe, Linz gold hoods, Gmundner ceramics, traditional Aussee costumes, Tyrolean loden, and a few others.
Small family businesses strengthen in competition
The quality mark is intended to guarantee the authenticity and quality of the products and to protect against counterfeiting and misleading information. And also strengthen manufacturers and regions in European and global competition. Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, stressed that many small family businesses produce traditional craft products rooted in their region. This regulation will help protect their craftsmanship and increase their visibility in the EU internal market.
The political agreement now reached in Brussels has yet to be officially confirmed, but this is just a formality.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
