Jus Vini n°1/2023 has some originality regarding its leading article. A. Ribeiro de Almeida's initial contribution found an answer in B. O'Connor's article. While both texts are dealing with GI's on a European level, the opinion of both authors is different.

In order to allow the largest plurality of opinion, the Editors thought to present both articles in the same issue of Jus Vini. The aim is to have a debate. You can read the abstract of both article below:

THE FUTURE OF GIs IN THE EUROPEAN UNION (DO THE PROPOSED CHANGES REPLY TO THE CHALLENGES AND ISSUES THAT GIs FACE TODAY?)

A. Ribeiro de Almeida

Abstract: The European Union is drafting a reform of the legal framework for geographical indications. The role the European Union Intellectual Property Office will play in this reform as well as the competences to be retained by the European Commission are not yet clear. However, a major change in the political understanding of the role of GIs under European Union policy can be expected; not only the role of GIs but also their legal understanding – for those that still comprehend GIs as public goods – may follow another path. There also seems to be a move from a quality policy to a sustainability policy, which will represent a new challenge for the GI producer groups. Some of the changes that are foreseen seem to be inspired by the future regime of non-agricultural GIs. GIs face a new challenge for the future, especially concerning the prerequisites for the recognition of a GI producer group.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE COMMISSION PROPOSAL TO REFORM THE EU RULES ON GIs FOR WINE, SPIRIT DRINKS AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

B. O'Connor

Abstract: This article examines the provisions on geographical indications in the European Commission's proposal to replace the 2012 EU Quality Regulation. It was written before the proposal was subject to detailed examination in the European Parliament and the Council. The article argues that the proposal is a missed opportunity to create a single instrument, like for all other forms of intellectual property, for geographical indications as such, and the need to better explore the concept of the link between a product's characteristics or qualities or reputation and its origin. The proposal does not give sufficient weight to the role of consumers and the wider society in preserving the cultures and traditions that this form of intellectual property seeks to protect.