Is Armenian Cognac no longer cognac? EU to allocate 3 million euros  to develop a new brand for Armenian brandy

ArmInfo. On May 13, during a cabinet meeting, the RA government approved a proposal to sign a financial agreement with the European Commission "On Assistance in Implementing Article 237 of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement  between Armenia and the EU (CEPA). Stage 1st".

According to the rationale for the document, the purpose of the  agreement is to facilitate the efforts of the Republic of Armenia in  the development of economic potential, as well as to strengthen  sustainable cooperation in the field of trade within the framework of  the provisions of the CEPA, in particular, to assist in the  implementation of provisions regarding the geographical labeling of  names in accordance with Article 237 of the agreement ( CEPA).

"The goal of the program is to stimulate a smooth and productive  cessation of the use of the EU geographic name "cognac" for goods  produced in Armenia, as well as to promote the export of products  from Armenia to maintain the competitiveness of the world famous  Armenian alcoholic beverage on international markets. In particular,  to assist in the development of a new brand, stimulating the  promotion of this name, both in the domestic and foreign markets in  terms of advertising and preserving market niches, "the document  says. The program budget is set at 3 million euros.

Earlier it was reported that under the Comprehensive Partnership  Agreement with the European Union (CEPA), Armenia will have to give  up the use of the name "Armenian Cognac".

To note, on September 25, 2018 in Yerevan and on October 17, 2019 in  Brussels, the first and second meetings of the Committee on Trade  Partnership between the RA and the EU were held. During the meetings,  the parties discussed measures taken in terms of trade cooperation  within the framework of the Agreement, relevant roadmaps, as well as  various issues related to bilateral cooperation. The Committee on  Trade Partnership between the RA and the EU includes 3 thematic  Subcommittees: Subcommittee on Geographical Indications; Subcommittee  on Economic Cooperation and Other Related Areas; Subcommittee on  Customs Issues.

To note, after last year's 6.3% decline in Q1 2021, the volume of  brandy production in Armenia reached 7.5% growth, amounting to 8.4  million liters