On 12 October 2018 the Head of the Department of International Connections of the Mission Yevhen Samukha and the Chief Consultant Valeria Pakhomova met with the Senior Expert of EU funded project “Support to the development of a Geographical Indications system in Ukraine” Jorge Huerta-Goldmann and junior expert of the project Olena Nazarenko.

The officials of the Mission told about the mandate of the Mission, of its current legal activities, developed projects and discussed the efforts of the Mission to coordinate the actions in addressing the real needs of the Crimean residents including the opening of the administrative service centers in the districts neighboring with Crimea. The experts introduced the Project, its targeted components, particularly the project supports the implementation of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine concerning Geographical Indications (GIs).

Among the principal challenges which include creating opportunities for Ukrainian producers of wine, spirit drinks, agricultural products and foodstuffs, to register their products as well as support to marketing and rebranding processes of sensitive products related to GIs. The experts of the project work on development of consistency between the Ukrainian legislation and the EU acquis concerning GIs. Development of consistency between the Ukrainian legislation and the EU acquis concerning GIs.

The core partners of the project are the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine and Ministry of Agrarian policy and Food of Ukraine.

In the framework of the meeting, the restoration of work of the Ukrainian State and private enterprises, produced wine products in Crimea, their geographical indications were discussed as well as applying to the International courts for compensation for loses, caused by state – occupier in Crimea. Particular attention was paid to prospects of establishment and registration of the unified Crimean GIs for wines which would cover the part of Ukraine and the territory of the occupied Crimea. As the result of the meeting, the sides agreed the framework for further interaction.