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EU-US Relations · Feta · Geographical Indications · Trade
The United States, through its Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), is pressuring the European Union to dismantle its Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) system, specifically targeting products like Greek feta cheese and Italian parmesan, which strains ongoing trade negotiations between the two economic powers.
The USTR's "2025 Special 301 Report" asserts that the EU's PDO framework restricts American producers' access to international markets and threatens U.S. trademarks. Conversely, the EU actively champions geographical indications, viewing them as essential for bolstering rural economies and preserving culinary heritage, as demonstrated by its inclusion of PDOs in trade agreements with nations like Canada and the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay).
Feta cheese, recognized as an EU PDO product since 2002, is legally restricted to specific Greek regions and traditional production methods, a status upheld by a 2022 European Court ruling against Denmark. This dispute creates significant friction in bilateral trade discussions, impacting agricultural sectors and potentially broader economic relations.
