Helping companies obtain international accreditation

4.11.2016

Question for written answer E-008354-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Pablo Zalba Bidegain (PPE)

This month celebrations have been held to mark the 10th anniversary of Navarre Veal being granted protected geographical indication status by ENAC, Spain’s national accreditation agency.

This accreditation is recognised in more than 60 countries, as ENAC is a signatory to mutual recognition agreements drawn up internationally among accreditation organisations all over the world. The conclusion of such agreements means that where there is a wish for Spanish products and services to have access to external markets, and those products and services are accredited by ENAC, there are far fewer technical barriers hindering access to those markets.

Consumers — i.e. the European public as a whole — are the main beneficiaries of this, as it gives them high-quality products that are fully in line with European standards.

1. What options are available to the EU to enhance the visibility of such designations and improve the way they are marketed both within and outside the Union?

2. What support schemes are available to European quality designations with a view to enhancing the value they add and the recognition they receive?