The European Union and Moldova have concluded negotiations on an agreement to protect their respective Geographical Indications (GIs). The text of the agreement was initialled on April 18. Thus, the Moldovan producers will be able to sell Champagne, Cognac, Cahors and other alcoholic drinks with GIs only during the next five years. Meanwhile, Moldova is to adapt its domestic legislation to the highest standards on the protection of intellectual property rights. According to a press release from the EU Delegation to Moldova, quoted by Info-Prim Neo, through this agreement Moldova will ensure high level protection for more than 3 200 EU GIs for food products, wines and spirits which have been granted protection within the EU. In a communique, the Ministry of Economy of Moldova says the Moldovan delegation asked for a period of transition for adapting the national legislation to the stipulations of the agreement so as to prevent the diminution of Moldova's exports to the EU. The Ministry also says that the agreement will contribute to the recognition of the Moldovan products and maintenance of Moldova's position on the EU market. “This agreement is a further step in strengthening our system of GIs around the world, but also a way of bringing Moldova closer to the EU,” said EU Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Ciolos. The agreement is a response to the willingness expressed by the EU Member States to promote the protection of Geographical Indications internationally and is a reflection of the converging views of the European Union and Moldova on matters related to quality policy, consumer protection and intellectual property. Moldova is the second among the EU Neighborhood Countries after Georgia to take this important step forward in promoting and protecting the quality of agricultural production. The objective of these negotiations is to better protect consumers in terms of not being misled on the true origin and quality of the product.