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.
NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2011/739/EU on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union, Switzerland and Liechtenstein amending the Additional Agreement between the European Community, Switzerland and Liechtenstein extending to Liechtenstein the Agreement between the European Community and Switzerland on trade in agricultural products
BACKGROUND: the Agreement between the European Community and Switzerland on trade in agricultural products entered into force on 1 June 2002.
An Additional Agreement between the European Community, Switzerland and Liechtenstein extending to Liechtenstein, the Agreement between the European Community and Switzerland on trade in agricultural products entered into force on 13 October 2007.
The Commission has negotiated, on behalf of the European Union, an Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the protection of designations of origin and geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs, which amends the Agricultural Agreement by inserting a new Annex 12. The EU, Liechtenstein and Switzerland have agreed that the Additional Agreement should also be amended in order to take into account the protection of designations of origin and geographical indications.
The Agreement between the European Union, Switerland and Liechtenstein amending the Additional Agreement should now be concluded,
CONTENT: with this Decision, the 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 is hereby approved on behalf of the Union.
In accordance with this Agreement, the geographical area of the following Swiss GIs that are protected pursuant to Appendix 1 to Annex 12 also includes the territory of Liechtenstein:
- Rheintaler Ribel / Türggen Ribel (PDO)
- St. Galler Bratwurst / St. Galler Kalbsbratwurst (PGI).
ENTRY INTO FORCE: the Decision shall enter into force on 20/10/2011. The Agreement shall enter into force as soon as the necessary procedures have been completed.