YEREVAN. – The agreement on the creation of the Armenia-EU Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) assumes that the geographical designations that are registered on each side must be mutually recognized and protected. Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Economy Garegin Melkonyan, who heads the country’s delegation in the ongoing talks along the lines of signing the DCFTA agreement, stated this during a briefing with news reporters on Tuesday.

This matter specifically refers to the usage of the terms “cognac” and “champagne.”   

“There have been discussions about cognac [that is, brandy]; the matter is on the agenda. I hope to find a solution, with the European party, which will not cause harm to [Armenia’s] local producers, [and] there would not be sudden and drastic decisions,” Melkonyan said.         

He informed that the term “cognac” is protected by European law and it is registered as a geographical designation. The Armenian party has informed the European colleagues that “cognac” is perceived in Armenia as a type of product. Discussions on this matter are also held with the private sector.

The same applies to champagne, as well, but, as per the Deputy Minister of Economy, champagne does not have as much sensitiveness and dimension for Armenia’s economy as cognac has.