Spanish MEP Esther Herranz called on 9 September 2026 in Brussels for greater support for geographical indications for spirits. At an event organised by spiritsEUROPE as part of Spirit of Life Week she argued that geographical indications were a successful pillar of European policy, protecting tradition, craftsmanship and cultural identity. The sector was facing unfair attacks from various quarters, Herranz said, according to the organisers and the Europa Press news agency.
Herranz is a Member of the European Parliament and co-chair of the Wine and Spirits Intergroup. The forum connects MEPs with industry representatives. Her intervention aimed to strengthen political backing for protected designations of origin and make them easier to enforce. No specific new legislative initiatives or financial commitments from the European Commission were announced in connection with the appearance.
Geographical indications identify products with a recognised link to their origin and quality. For the spirits industry, they protect against imitation, strengthen market position in the single market and facilitate exports by establishing a clear identity. Producers say effective protection mechanisms increase legal certainty and brand value, while also requiring rigorous monitoring and enforcement, including in relation to third countries.
The policy options raised by Herranz range from stricter application of existing EU rules to targeted support measures for producers operating under geographical indications. spiritsEUROPE representatives regularly point to the economic importance of such labels of origin and the need to punish misuse effectively. Whether this leads to legislative steps in the short term depends on the European Commission’s agenda and the formation of a majority in the European Parliament.
Spirit of Life Week brought together contributions from politics and industry during the week of 7 to 10 September 2026. Against this background, Herranz’s intervention is best understood as setting out the Intergroup’s position and as a signal to the Commission. It is intended to deepen debates on competitiveness, consumer protection and the heritage of European spirits. Its impact remains uncertain for now, while no specific proposals are on the table and the institutions decide their priorities for trade, market surveillance and the protection of intellectual property.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).