European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen, in a written answer on 15 June 2026, warned that the United States is pressuring third countries to allow imports of American products using European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) names, such as feta cheese, potentially violating existing EU trade agreements. Hansen stated the Commission is closely monitoring these developments and will not tolerate any reduction in protection for EU geographical indications, pledging to activate dispute settlement instruments if necessary.
The answer responds to a parliamentary question from Greek S&D MEP Yannis Maniatis, submitted on 7 April 2026, who cited a Wall Street Journal report alleging the Trump administration is pushing non-EU countries—even those with EU trade deals guaranteeing PDO protection—to accept US products with similar names but different raw materials and manufacturing methods. Maniatis argued this constitutes unfair competition and consumer deception.
it is assessing US Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with third countries on a case-by-case basis, reminding those countries of their commitments under the WTO TRIPS Agreement and bilateral EU agreements. He referenced the 21 August 2025 EU-US Joint Statement as a broader framework for transatlantic trade relations. However, the answer lacks concrete numerical targets, deadlines, or specific sanctions, instead offering general assurances of readiness to defend EU interests.
The policy orientation signals a defensive, legalistic approach: the Commission will rely on existing trade agreement mechanisms rather than new legislation. Institutional follow-up is expected to involve case-by-case monitoring and potential activation of dispute resolution clauses in bilateral agreements if violations occur. The answer impacts EU producers of PDO products (e.g., Greek feta, Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano), who face competition from cheaper US imitations; EU consumers, who may be misled by non-authentic products; third countries with EU trade deals, which risk trade friction; and US exporters, who could face retaliatory measures.
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