the Union’s living cultural and gastronomic heritage. This is due to the skills and determination of EU producers, who have preserved traditions and the diversity of cultural identities as an integral part of the EU’s heritage, while taking into account the development of new production methods and materials, which have made traditional EU products a symbol of quality14. Indeed, EU citizens and consumers are increasingly demanding traditional, accessible, high-quality products with specific qualities and characteristics that can be attributed to both their origin and their production method. They are also concerned about maintaining the diversity and security of supply of agricultural and food production in the EU. This is generating demand for wine, spirits and agricultural products, including foodstuffs, with specific identifiable characteristics, in particular those linked to their geographical origin. Citizens and consumers are increasingly aware of the production conditions that have shaped the reputation and identity of these products15. They expect any geographical indication and quality scheme to be backed by a robust verification and control system, whether the product comes from the Union or from a third country16. For these reasons, it has become necessary to strengthen, modernise and simplify the system of geographical indications for agricultural products, wine and spirit drinks17 , in order to make traditional quality products accessible to all18. It is true that quality products are an asset for the economy and cultural identity of the European Union19. To this end, EU law must provide for a uniform and comprehensive system of geographical indications. These are a collective right held by all eligible producers in a designated area who wish to adhere to a set of specifications20. In addition, geographical indications fairly reward producers for their efforts to produce a diverse range of quality products. Quality schemes contribute to and complement rural development policy and market support measures under the common agricultural policy (CAP) income support policies. They contribute to the development of the agricultural sector21. Furthermore, geographical 14 Regulation (EU) 2024/1142, Recital 6. 15 Regulation (EU) 2024/1142, Recital 7. 16 Regulation (EU) 2024/1142, Recital 9. 17 Regulation (EU) 2024/1142, Recital 5. 18 EU Regulation 2024/1142, Recital 7. 19 EU Regulation 2024/1142, Recital 8. 20 EU Regulation 2024/1142, Recital 18. 21 EU Regulation 2024/1142, Recital 19. 372 CHRISTINE LEBEL
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