The European Court of Auditors issued, today, a report on whether the design and management of the geographical indications scheme allow it to be effective. Unsurprisingly, the geographical indications (GI) scheme is ineffective, according to the Court. The Commission has not been managing the scheme in a way that allows “it to be effective in meeting its objectives.”
The Court concluded that several issues relating to the control system for the GI scheme need to be clarified. Moreover, the Commission has not put in place a “clear strategy for promoting and raising awareness of the scheme amongst both producers and consumers.”
The Court particularly noted that “the legal provisions do not lay down minimum requirements for Member States’ checks on product specifications”, "the regulation does not clearly define the Member States’ obligation to carry out checks to prevent and detect disallowed practices”, "the Commission does not monitor closely the implementation of the GI scheme in the Member States”, "the potential applicants are often not aware of the scheme or are discouraged by the lengthy application procedures.”
This report is another blow for the Commission and its managing skills.
