EU/Switzerland and Liechtenstein agreement: trade in agricultural products (amend. Additional EC/Switzerland/Liechtenstein Agreement)

PURPOSE: to conclude an Agreement between the European Union, Switzerland and Liechtenstein amending the Additional Agreement between the European Community and the two countries extending to Liechtenstein the Agreement between the European Community and Switzerland on trade in agricultural products.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: the Agreement between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation on trade in agricultural products (Agricultural Agreement) has been extended to the Principality of Liechtenstein. The Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the protection of designations of origin and geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs has amended the Agricultural Agreement by adding Annex 12. Therefore, the Additional Agreement between the European Community, the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein also needs to be amended so that the protection of geographical indications also applies to Liechtenstein.

This is the aim of this Agreement.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was carried out.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 207(4), first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).  

CONTENT: this Commission is proposing to conclude this Agreement between the European Union, Switzerland and Liechtenstein amending the Additional Agreement between the European Community and the two countries extending to Liechtenstein the Agreement between the European Community and Switzerland on trade in agricultural products.

The text of the Agreement is attached to the proposal.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATION: this proposal has no implication for the EU budget.