[:uk]The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2656, adopted on 4 October 2024, revises Annex I of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, which details special control measures for African swine fever (ASF). The amendment introduces a new classification of restricted zones I, II, and III across various Member States, reflecting the current epidemiological status of ASF within the EU.
**Restricted Zone I** identifies areas with sporadic ASF cases, necessitating heightened surveillance. This zone includes specific municipalities in Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Czechia, Greece, Croatia, and Lithuania, each marked by the presence of ASF in wild boar or occasional domestic pig cases.
**Restricted Zone II** encompasses regions with confirmed ASF occurrences in domestic pigs or significant incidences in wild boar, requiring stricter control measures. Areas in Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Czechia, and Croatia fall under this classification.
**Restricted Zone III** covers regions with persistent ASF presence, mandating the highest level of control measures. Significant areas in Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Germany, Greece, Slovakia, Croatia, and Latvia are included in this zone.
The regulation aims to enhance ASF control through clearly defined restricted zones, facilitating coordinated response efforts across Member States.
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The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598, adopted on 4 October 2024, establishes a list of third countries or regions authorized to export certain animals and animal product consignments into the European Union (EU). This regulation aligns with the prohibition of specific antimicrobial medicinal products under EU law, focusing on the safety and quality of imported food products.
The regulation sets forth criteria for authorization, ensuring that third countries comply with EU standards, particularly concerning the use of antimicrobial agents. Authorized countries are marked in the annex, and specific processing conditions apply to regions processing only animals or products from authorized sources.
The regulation will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication, with a full application starting from 3 September 2026, allowing third countries time to comply with the established requirements.
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2597, adopted on 4 October 2024, addresses the use and specifications of food additives, specifically sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202), and propyl gallate (E 310). It updates Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, allowing extended use of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate in a broader range of desserts and revising their purity criteria.
The regulation includes detailed specifications for these additives, tightening purity limits for contaminants like arsenic and lead, and specifying manufacturing processes for propyl gallate. Transitional provisions allow existing stocks to be used until depleted, with a full implementation date set for 27 April 2025.
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The Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2615, adopted on 30 September 2024, approves a non-minor amendment to the product specification of the protected designation of origin (PDO) “Garda.” This amendment has significant implications for the characteristics and production process of the product. The approval follows legal protocols outlined in EU regulations governing geographical indications, with no opposition raised during the consultation phase.
The regulation will take effect on the twentieth day following publication and will be binding and directly applicable across all Member States, ensuring uniform recognition of the amended specifications for “Garda.”
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The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2614, also adopted on 30 September 2024, officially records “Lorraine” as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the Union register. This registration guarantees that products labeled as “Lorraine” adhere to specific standards linked to the Lorraine region.
The regulation, based on EU geographical indication laws, will come into force on the twentieth day after publication and is binding in its entirety, providing legal protection against misuse throughout the EU. The absence of opposition during the registration process facilitates the immediate recognition of “Lorraine” as a PGI.
Review of each of legal acts published today:
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2656 of 4 October 2024 amending Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 laying down special control measures for African swine fever
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2656 of 4 October 2024 amends Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, which establishes special control measures for African swine fever (ASF). The primary provision of this regulation is the replacement of Annex I with an updated list of restricted zones categorized as I, II, and III, reflecting the current epidemiological situation concerning ASF in the European Union.
**Key Provisions:**
1. **Amendment of Annex I:**
– **Article 1** states that Annex I of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 is replaced with the text provided in the Annex of this regulation.
– The updated Annex I delineates the specific regions within Member States that are designated as restricted zones I, II, and III.
2. **Entry into Force:**
– **Article 2** specifies that the regulation enters into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
**Details of the Updated Annex I:**
The updated Annex I categorizes regions within various Member States into three restricted zones based on the level of risk and presence of African swine fever:
### **Restricted Zone I (Part I):**
This zone includes areas where ASF has been detected in wild boar or sporadic cases in domestic pigs, requiring heightened surveillance and control measures.
– **Germany:**
– Specific municipalities and districts in the federal states of Brandenburg, Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hessen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and others.
– Includes regions such as Landkreis Dahme-Spreewald, Landkreis Uckermark, Landkreis Spree-Neiße, and parts of cities like Frankfurt am Main and Wiesbaden.
– **Estonia:**
– The entire county of Hiiu Maakond.
– **Latvia:**
– Specific areas within Dienvidkurzemes novada, Ropažu novada, and others.
– **Hungary:**
– Designated hunting management units within counties like Békés, Bács-Kiskun, Fejér, Győr-Moson-Sopron, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Komárom-Esztergom, Pest, and others.
– **Poland:**
– Selected gminas (municipalities) and parts of provinces (voivodeships) including kujawsko-pomorskie, warmińsko-mazurskie, podlaskie, mazowieckie, pomorskie, lubuskie, dolnośląskie, wielkopolskie, opolskie, zachodniopomorskie, małopolskie, lubelskie.
– **Slovakia:**
– Specific districts and municipalities within Nové Zámky, Veľký Krtíš, Levice, Ružomberok, Martin, Dolný Kubín, Tvrdošín, Prievidza, Partizánske, Topoľčany, Nitra, Bánovce nad Bebravou.
– **Italy:**
– Regions within Piedmont, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lombardy, Lazio, Calabria, Basilicata, Campania.
– **Czechia:**
– Specific cadastral areas in the Liberec, Česká Lípa, Jablonec nad Nisou, and Semily districts.
– **Greece:**
– Designated community and municipal departments in the regional units of Drama, Kavala, Xanthi, Rodopi, Evros, Serres, Kilkis, Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki, Pella, Imathia, Kozani, Florina, Kastoria, Ioannina, Thesprotia.
– **Croatia:**
– Municipalities and settlements within Karlovac County, Lika-Senj County, Sisak-Moslavina County, Brod-Posavina County, Osijek-Baranja County.
– **Lithuania:**
– Specific municipalities and districts including Joniškis District Municipality and Ignalina District Municipality.
### **Restricted Zone II (Part II):**
This zone encompasses areas with confirmed cases of ASF in domestic pigs or a higher incidence in wild boar, necessitating stricter control measures.
– **Bulgaria:**
– The entire regions of Haskovo, Yambol, Stara Zagora, Pernik, Kyustendil, and others.
– **Germany:**
– Additional areas in Brandenburg and Saxony, including the city of Cottbus and various municipalities in Landkreis Spree-Neiße and Landkreis Oberspreewald-Lausitz.
– **Estonia:**
– All regions except Hiiu Maakond.
– **Latvia:**
– Extensive areas across multiple novads (municipalities), including Aizkraukles, Alūksnes, Augšdaugavas, Ādažu, Balvu, Bauskas, Cēsu, and others.
– **Lithuania:**
– Numerous municipalities including Alytus City Municipality, Anykščiai District Municipality, Druskininkai Municipality, and others.
– **Hungary:**
– All hunting management units in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, Hajdú-Bihar County, Heves County, and others.
– **Poland:**
– Specific regions in voivodeships such as warmińsko-mazurskie, podlaskie, mazowieckie, lubelskie, podkarpackie, małopolskie, pomorskie, świętokrzyskie, lubuskie, dolnośląskie, wielkopolskie, opolskie, zachodniopomorskie.
– **Slovakia:**
– Entire districts including Gelnica, Poprad, Spišská Nová Ves, Kežmarok, Michalovce, and others.
– **Italy:**
– Additional municipalities in Piedmont, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lazio, Calabria.
– **Czechia:**
– Specific cadastral areas in the Liberec and Jablonec nad Nisou districts.
– **Croatia:**
– Municipalities and settlements in Karlovac County and Sisak-Moslavina County.
### **Restricted Zone III (Part III):**
This zone includes areas with a persistent presence of ASF, requiring the highest level of control measures.
– **Italy:**
– Specific municipalities in Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont.
– **Lithuania:**
– Certain districts within Biržai, Kalvarijos, Kupiškis, Kelmė, Klaipėda, Lazdijai, Marijampolė, Pasvalys, Pakruojis, Raseiniai, Radviliškis, Rokiškis, Šilutė.
– **Poland:**
– Designated areas in the voivodeships of warmińsko-mazurskie, pomorskie, kujawsko-pomorskie, wielkopolskie, lubelskie, zachodniopomorskie, mazowieckie, świętokrzyskie.
– **Romania:**
– The entire areas of Bucharest and counties such as Constanța, Satu Mare, Tulcea, Bacău, and others.
– **Germany:**
– Specific regions in Hessen and Rheinland-Pfalz, including parts of Landkreis Groß-Gerau, Landkreis Bergstraße, Landkreis Darmstadt-Dieburg, the city of Darmstadt, parts of Main-Taunus-Kreis, and parts of the city of Mainz.
– **Greece:**
– Certain municipalities and community departments in the regional units of Drama, Serres, Kilkis, Thessaloniki, Chalkidiki.
– **Slovakia:**
– Specific municipalities in the districts of Levice, Krupina, Banská Štiavnica.
– **Croatia:**
– Municipalities and settlements in Vukovar-Srijem County, Brod-Posavina County, Osijek-Baranja County, and others.
– **Latvia:**
– Certain areas in Cēsu novads, Gulbenes novads, Valmieras novads, Valkas novads, Limbažu novads, Madonas novads, and Aizkraukles novads.
**Implications of the Updated Annex I:**
– The updated Annex I precisely identifies regions that are subject to special control measures due to the presence or risk of African swine fever.
– The restricted zones are established to prevent the spread of ASF by implementing specific containment and control strategies in the affected areas.
– The detailed listing enables Member States to enforce measures such as movement restrictions, surveillance, culling of infected animals, and biosecurity enhancements in the designated zones.
**Key Points for Enforcement:**
– **Restricted Zone I:** Areas with initial or sporadic cases; heightened surveillance is required.
– **Restricted Zone II:** Areas with confirmed cases in domestic pigs or higher wild boar incidences; stricter controls are implemented.
– **Restricted Zone III:** Areas with persistent ASF presence; the highest levels of control measures are enacted.
**Conclusion:**
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2656 effectively updates the list of restricted zones to reflect the current ASF situation within the EU. By delineating specific regions under restricted zones I, II, and III, the regulation aims to control and prevent the spread of African swine fever through coordinated efforts and targeted measures across Member States.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598 of 4 October 2024 laying down the list of third countries or regions thereof authorised for the entry into the Union of certain animals and products of animal origin intended for human consumption in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the application of the prohibition on the use of certain antimicrobial medicinal products
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598 of 4 October 2024 establishes a list of third countries or regions authorized for the entry into the European Union (EU) of certain animals and products of animal origin intended for human consumption. This regulation aligns with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and focuses on enforcing the prohibition of certain antimicrobial medicinal products as stipulated in Article 118(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6.
**Article 1 – Subject Matter and Scope**
This regulation defines its purpose as establishing the list referred to in Article 4(1)(a) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905. The list includes third countries or regions thereof from which the entry of consignments of certain animals and products of animal origin intended for human consumption is permitted, particularly concerning the prohibition on the use of specific antimicrobial medicinal products.
**Article 2 – List of Authorized Third Countries or Regions**
1. **Authorization Criteria**: The third countries or regions included in the list have complied with the requirements laid down in Article 3 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905. These requirements ensure that animals and products of animal origin intended for export to the EU do not use:
– Antimicrobial medicinal products for growth promotion or yield increase.
– Antimicrobial medicinal products containing antimicrobials reserved for the treatment of certain infections in humans, as listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1255.
2. **Designation in Annex**: Authorized countries or regions are marked with an ‘X’ in the Annex for the relevant species or commodities, indicating full compliance and authorization.
3. **Processing Conditions**: Countries or regions that intend to process only animals or products originating either from EU Member States or other authorized third countries (as listed with an ‘X’) are marked with a ‘Δ’ in the Annex for the relevant species or commodities. This signifies that they may process and export these products under specified conditions.
**Article 3 – Entry into Force and Application**
The regulation enters into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. It applies from 3 September 2026, aligning with the application date of related regulations ensuring a coordinated enforcement of the prohibitions on certain antimicrobial uses.
**Annex – List of Third Countries or Regions Authorized**
– **Structure of the Annex**: The Annex provides a detailed table listing third countries or regions authorized for the entry into the EU of specific animals and products of animal origin intended for human consumption. The table includes:
– **Country ISO Codes**: International standard codes identifying each country.
– **Third Countries or Regions**: Names of the countries or specific regions.
– **Categories of Animals and Products**: Columns indicating various animal species and products, such as bovine, ovine/caprine, porcine, equine, poultry, aquaculture products, milk, eggs, rabbit, farmed game, honey, and casings.
– **Authorization Markings**:
– **’X’ Mark**: Denotes that the country or region is authorized for the export of the specified animal or product category to the EU, complying fully with the antimicrobial prohibition requirements.
– **’Δ’ Mark**: Indicates that the country or region is authorized under the condition that they process only animals or products originating from EU Member States or other authorized third countries.
– **’M’ Annotation**: Refers to specific conditions related to aquaculture products, as detailed in footnotes.
– **Footnotes and Specific Conditions**: The Annex includes footnotes providing clarifications, exceptions, and specific conditions for certain countries or products. Examples include:
– Limitations on species (e.g., ovine species only).
– Special processing conditions.
– Territorial considerations (e.g., exclusions of certain territories under administration).
– Annotations regarding aquaculture products and their compliance with other regulations.
**Key Provisions**:
– **Compliance with Antimicrobial Prohibitions**: Only consignments from listed countries or regions that have provided appropriate evidence and guarantees of compliance with the EU prohibitions on certain antimicrobial uses are permitted entry.
– **Traceability and Origin Guarantees**: Countries must have procedures in place to guarantee the traceability and origin of animals and products, ensuring adherence to the prohibitions.
– **Alignment with Other Regulations**: This regulation works in conjunction with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/399, ensuring a cohesive regulatory framework governing the entry of animals and products of animal origin into the EU.
– **Exclusions**: Wild animals, products derived from them, and composite products are excluded from the scope of this regulation, as specified in the footnotes.
**Application and Enforcement**:
– The regulation ensures that imported animals and products of animal origin meet EU standards regarding the non-use of certain antimicrobial agents.
– It facilitates official controls by providing a clear and detailed list of authorized countries and conditions, aiding in the verification processes at entry points into the EU.
– By setting a future application date (3 September 2026), the regulation allows third countries time to comply with the requirements or adjust their export practices accordingly.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2597 of 4 October 2024 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) and the Annex to Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 as regards the specifications for sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202) and propyl gallate (E 310)
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2597 of 4 October 2024 brings amendments to existing EU legislation concerning the use and specifications of certain food additives, specifically sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202), and propyl gallate (E 310).
**Amendments to Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008:**
1. **Extended Use of Sorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate:**
– **Food Category 16 Update:** In Part E of Annex II, under food category 16 (“Desserts excluding products covered in categories 1, 3, and 4”), the permitted use of sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) at a maximum level of 1,000 mg/kg has been revised.
– **New Inclusion:** The previous allowance for these additives in “frugtgrød, rote Grütze, and pasha” has been expanded to include “fruit-flavoured water-based gelatine desserts.”
– **Usage Conditions:** The additives can now be used in these additional desserts at the specified maximum level, adhering to any specific notes or conditions outlined in the regulation.
**Amendments to the Annex of Regulation (EU) No 231/2012:**
1. **Sorbic Acid (E 200) Specifications:**
– **Description Update:**
– Sorbic acid is now described as “colourless needles or white free-flowing crystalline powder, having a slight characteristic odour and showing no change in colour after heating for 90 minutes at 105 °C.”
– **Purity Criteria Revised:**
– **Water Content:** Not more than 0.5% (determined by the Karl Fischer method).
– **Sulphated Ash:** Not more than 0.2%.
– **Aldehydes:** Not more than 0.1% (expressed as formaldehyde).
– **Arsenic:** Maximum limit reduced to 0.1 mg/kg.
– **Lead:** Maximum limit reduced to 0.1 mg/kg.
– **Mercury:** Maximum limit set at 0.01 mg/kg.
– **Zinc:** A new maximum limit established at 0.1 mg/kg.
2. **Potassium Sorbate (E 202) Specifications:**
– **Description Update:**
– Potassium sorbate is now described as “white crystalline powder or granules showing no change in colour after heating for 90 minutes at 105 °C,” acknowledging both powder and granular forms.
– **Purity Criteria Revised:**
– **Loss on Drying:** Not more than 1.0% (after drying at 105 °C for 3 hours).
– **Acidity or Alkalinity:** Not more than about 1.0% (calculated as sorbic acid or K₂CO₃).
– **Aldehydes:** Not more than 0.1%, calculated as formaldehyde.
– **Arsenic:** Maximum limit reduced to 0.1 mg/kg.
– **Lead:** Maximum limit reduced to 0.1 mg/kg.
– **Mercury:** Maximum limit set at 0.01 mg/kg.
– **Zinc:** A new maximum limit established at 0.1 mg/kg.
3. **Propyl Gallate (E 310) Specifications:**
– **Definition Included:**
– Propyl gallate is defined as being produced by the esterification of gallic acid with propanol, using sulphuric acid as a catalyst.
– Additional chemical identifiers provided:
– **Einecs Number:** 204-498-2.
– **Chemical Names:** Propyl gallate; Propyl ester of gallic acid; n-propyl ester of 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid.
– **Chemical Formula:** C₁₀H₁₂O₅.
– **Molecular Weight:** 212.20.
– **Assay:** Content not less than 98% on the anhydrous basis.
– **Purity Criteria Revised:**
– **Loss on Drying:** Not more than 0.5% (after drying at 110 °C for 4 hours).
– **Sulphated Ash:** Not more than 0.1%.
– **Free Acid:** Not more than 0.5% (expressed as gallic acid).
– **Specific Absorption in Ethanol:** At 275 nm, values should be not less than 485 and not more than 520.
– **Arsenic:** Maximum limit set at 0.1 mg/kg.
– **Lead:** Maximum limit reduced to 0.3 mg/kg.
– **Mercury:** Maximum limit set at 0.1 mg/kg.
– **Manufacturing Process Clarification:** The definition specifies that hydrochloric acid is not used as a catalyst, ensuring no chlorinated by-products are formed.
**Transitional Provisions:**
– **Implementation Date:** The new purity specifications and definitions for sorbic acid (E 200), potassium sorbate (E 202), and propyl gallate (E 310) will be applicable from 27 April 2025.
– **Existing Stocks of Additives:**
– Additives placed on the market before 27 April 2025 may continue to be used in foods according to the previous regulations until stocks are exhausted.
– **Foods Containing These Additives:**
– Foods that were lawfully placed on the market before 27 April 2025 and contain the specified additives can be marketed until their “date of minimum durability” or “use-by date.”
**Entry into Force:**
– **Effective Date:** The regulation enters into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
– **Specific Provisions Application:** Certain amendments (specified in points (1)(b), (2)(b), and (3) of Annex II) will apply starting from 27 April 2025.
**Regulation Adoption Details:**
– **Adoption Date:** 4 October 2024.
– **Authority:** The regulation was adopted by the European Commission.
– **Signatory:** Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
**Summary of Key Changes:**
– **Extended Use in Desserts:** Sorbic acid and potassium sorbate can now be used as preservatives in fruit-flavoured water-based gelatine desserts, in addition to previously specified desserts.
– **Updated Specifications:** More stringent purity criteria for sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and propyl gallate, including lower permissible levels of toxic elements and clarification of manufacturing processes.
– **Transitional Measures:** Businesses are given time to adapt to the new requirements, with provisions for the use of existing stocks and continued marketing of certain foods.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2615 of 30 September 2024 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the approval of a non minor amendment to the product specification of the protected designation of origin Garda
The European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2615 on 30 September 2024, which approves a non-minor amendment to the product specification of the protected designation of origin (PDO) “Garda”. The key provisions of this regulation are as follows:
1. **Approval of Amendment**:
– The regulation approves the amendment to the product specification for the PDO “Garda” as published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
– This amendment is considered non-minor, meaning it involves significant changes to the product specification that could affect the characteristics of the product or its production process.
2. **Legal Basis**:
– The approval is made under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council, specifically referring to geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks, and agricultural products.
– Article 21(2) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 grants the European Commission the authority to approve such amendments.
– The application was initially submitted under the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, which establishes a common organization of the markets in agricultural products.
3. **Procedure Followed**:
– Italy submitted an application for the non-minor amendment to the product specification of “Garda” PDO.
– The application was received by the Commission before the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.
– The proposed amendment was published in the Official Journal of the European Union to allow for transparency and to invite any statements of opposition.
4. **Opposition Phase**:
– In accordance with Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, interested parties had the opportunity to submit statements of opposition to the proposed amendment.
– No statements of opposition were received by the Commission within the stipulated timeframe.
– Under Article 90(2) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, the lack of opposition allows the Commission to proceed with the approval.
5. **Entry into Force and Applicability**:
– The regulation will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
– It is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States, ensuring uniform implementation across the European Union.
6. **Authority and Signatory**:
– The regulation is adopted by the European Commission, acting within the powers conferred by the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
– Janusz Wojciechowski, a Member of the Commission, signed the regulation on behalf of the President.
**Summary**:
– The European Commission has formally approved significant changes to the product specification of the “Garda” PDO.
– The approval process was conducted in line with EU regulations governing geographical indications and product specifications.
– No objections were raised against the proposed changes during the opposition period.
– The regulation ensures that the amended product specification for “Garda” PDO is recognized and enforced uniformly across all EU Member States starting from the specified date of entry into force.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2614 of 30 September 2024 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the entering of a geographical indication in the Union register of geographical indications (Lorraine (PGI))
The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2614 of 30 September 2024 establishes the official entry of the geographical indication “Lorraine” as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) into the Union register of geographical indications.
**Key Provisions:**
1. **Registration of “Lorraine” (PGI):**
– **Article 1** explicitly states that the geographical indication “Lorraine” (PGI) is entered into the Union register of geographical indications. This register is referred to in Article 22 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.
2. **Entry into Force and Applicability:**
– **Article 2** specifies that this Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
– The Regulation is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States, ensuring uniform implementation across the European Union.
**Contextual Points from the Recitals:**
– The Regulation references **Regulation (EU) 2024/1143**, particularly Article 21(2), as the legal basis for its enactment.
– It notes that France’s application for the registration of the geographical indication “Lorraine” was received by the Commission before the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. This application was published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
– No statements of opposition were received under Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 concerning this application.
– As a result, the Commission confirms that the geographical indication “Lorraine” should be entered into the Union register of geographical indications.
**Administrative Details:**
– The Regulation was adopted in Brussels on 30 September 2024.
– Janusz Wojciechowski, a Member of the Commission, signed the Regulation on behalf of the President of the European Commission.
– References are made to previous relevant legislation, including:
– Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council, concerning the common organisation of the markets in agricultural products.
– Publication details and Electronic Legal Information (ELI) codes are provided for cross-referencing and legal verification.
**Summary:**
This Regulation formalizes the protection of the geographical indication “Lorraine” at the EU level, ensuring that products labeled with this PGI meet specific criteria associated with the Lorraine region. By entering “Lorraine” into the Union register, the EU provides it with legal protection against misuse or imitation throughout all Member States.[:]
