Home  |  News>Economy and Social affairs   |  Joint statement by Cypriot MEP’s Demetris Papadakis and Giorgos Georgiou on Cypriot “halloumi”

Joint statement by Cypriot MEP’s Demetris Papadakis and Giorgos Georgiou on Cypriot “halloumi”

30th January 2020, Brussels

Following the reply we have received from the European Commission regarding the registration of the Cypriot ‘Halloumi’ as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product, we continue to have concerns about the delay in its registration.

We will come back to the issue putting a new question to the European Commission asking for clarifications. At the same time, however, the President of the Republic first and foremost, who knows that developments on the issue are ongoing, must provide clarifications and answers. The dangers looming for its eventual loss – both as a PDO product, but also as a trademark – are enormous.

The President of the Republic is therefore called upon to at long last give clear-cut answers to the following questions:

– What is the temporary solution that was agreed?

– Why isn’t it being implemented?

– What are the objections and what is the real problem with regards its final registration as a PDO product?

Below is the response we had received:

“The name ‘Halloumi/Hellim’ is an emblem for Cyprus and the consensus on a temporary solution to the ‘Halloumi/Hellim’ product, which will be implemented pending the reunification of Cyprus was reached under the guidance of President Mr. Juncker on 16th July 2015. The Commission services have been fully committed to completing the examination of the PDO application dossier since its submission on 17th July 2014. The first evaluation of the application, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 1151/2012, reached a positive conclusion and the application for registration of the Halloumi/Hellim product as a PDO was published in the context of a complaint procedure on 28th July 2015. Nine admissible objections were lodged. The European Commission is continuing to work on the conclusion of the dossier in accordance with the consensus on a temporary solution to the Halloumi/Hellim product.

PREV

Most Cypriots can’t make ends meet with their wages

NEXT

The government ruling forces have created havoc for people and society